As years passed and the number of graduates and former pupils increased, the organization began to be agitated.  MR. Clayton McLaughlin, Miss Louise Pugh, MR. Edward Timmerman, Mrs. Louise Lung, (now Mrs. Askew,) Mr. William Root, Miss Rosa Halpen, and others were prime movers in starting the ball rolling.  Finally on June 18, 1904, an organization meeting was held in the chapel of the school.  The following account  is quoted from the report the proceedings given by the recording Secretary, Miss Louise Pugh: - “The meeting was called to order by Dr. Westervelt, who expressed his pleasure that so many had responded to the organization notice sent but a few days before in the name of the Board of Trustees and Officers of the school.  In his opening address, Dr. Westervelt said: The need of an alumni Association has long been felt, and several attempts have been made to supply the need; but the time was not ripe, and so the idea was not developed. Now, However, the propitious moment is at hand and we have meet to organize, and organize we shall.  If enthusiasm counts for anything, we have come to say and to do a great deal of good in the world.  It is a very auspicious day and one long to be remembered by everyone so fortunate as to be present.”

            Following these remarks Dr. Westervelt gave an outline of the work an organization of our Alumni might accomplish.  He said that he regarded such an organization a most important adjunct to the school, promoting by association among its members and by co-operation with the management and faculty of the school, the highest good of the graduates and undergraduates.  The strength of school influence is not only in its own sphere of activity, but also in the activity of alumni who go forth as exponents of the principles of the school.  It is through organization of this external activity that the good and the reputation of the school may be perpetuated; and toward this end the alumni of this school had been invited to cooperate.

            An example of the useful activities of the Alumni Association is afforded by the club formed in 1922 by a number of the alumni living in Rochester and vicinity, as known at first as the R.S.D.  Girl’s Club, the name later being changed to Zenvelt.  The club is a social organization composed of employed girls and young matrons formed, “For mutual pleasure and profit.”  It meets at the Y.W.C.A rooms weekly on Thursday evenings.  Two teachers of the Rochester School attend most of the meetings and interpret speeches, announcements, directions and explanations given by the Secretary and Gymnasium instructors, thus enabling the deaf members to enter into all the activities afforded by the Y.W.C.A.  The diversions have been basketball, dancing, swimming and games under the leadership of gymnasium instructors.  The members have made garments for the Welfard League, provided fruit and flowers for the sick and secured subscriptions for magazines, at one time winning a prize of $5.00 for getting the most new subscribers for the Ladies Home Journal, competing with ten other clubs.  They have held bazaars, some of which have netted as much as $200.00.  Some years ago, they made a bank deposit of $100. to remain at compound interest until such time as it can be used to place a memorial tablet in the new school house, when it is built.  In Buffalo, a club similar to the Zenvelt has been formed by Rochester alumni called the Kicuwa Club, which is very active, doing much to add to the usefulness and happiness of the members.

            Owing to the parliamentary training received in the Lambda Phi Phi, the Rochester Alumni have been able to organize clubs among themselves and conduct the meetings in an orderly and proper manner, in accordance with rules and by-laws.  On one occasion, the Industrial Secretary at the Y.W.C.A., after observing a business meeting of the Zenvelt Club, remarked on the excellent manner in which it was conducted and said that there was no other club in her department that was managed in so business-like a way, and there are twelve clubs in all. 

            The following excerpt is taken from the tribute to Dr. Westervelt written by Mr. Clayton L. McLaughlin for the Memorial Number of the Advocate and serves to show the relationship between Dr. Westervelt and the Alumni: - “The Alumni Reunion was always a happy occasion with ‘Prof’ present.  His generous hospitality and his genial friendliness lent charm to the gathering in that he could make visitors forget the dull cares of the and feel as though they were once more boys and girls under his care.  There was a deep attachment between him and the alumni.  Each year visiting alumni came and went away feeling that they had drunk at the spiritual rock.  ‘Prof’ faithfully kept in touch with his old boys and girls, and was ever ready to rejoice or mourn with them.  No marriage ceremony could be complete without his presence or a word from ‘Prof’; one of the first thoughts following the birth of a child was of ‘Prof’; when death entered the household of an alumni, ‘Prof’ either was there to comfort or sent words of consolation.  In matters relating to business, property or law many alumni found in him a true friend and able counselor.  The great personality which could fill the whole school and pervade the reunions could reach out to make itself felt and loved in the homes of his old boys and girls.”