Ullysses Tucker likes a good challenge. After spending the first 20 years of his career working in media, he entered the development profession in 2000. He worked for the State University of New York Plattsburgh, New Jersey's Montclair State University, Louisiana's Grambling State University, and Western Illinois University before joining London…

Properly designed and properly evaluated, entrepreneurial activities can have many kinds of positive financial and non-financial results for an alumni program. A service or product line that alumni can not get from any other source can benefit the budget and both internal and external goodwill. (MSE)

College alumni directors are finding that alumni want more than parties at their reunions and are overcoming attendance slumps with creative, substantive programing. Ideas include faculty seminars on topics of current interest, sometimes integrated with professional continuing education, alumni panel discussions, involving the family, involving…

An effective alumni relations program provides the base on which an overall program of institutional advancement can be planned and implemented. The alumni director and staff are essential to such a program, and the prudent college president will use the alumni board as a forum for advancing programs that benefit the entire institution. (MSE)

An updated and expanded version of a 1976 monograph on alumni travel is presented. It provides practical information on all aspects of alumni travel, including the pros and cons of travel service programs for alumni, marketing and promoting tours, and legal and planning considerations. Along with basic, how-to articles, the handbook also features…

Five worst enemies to alumni offices' long-range plans are identified: failure to dovetail office plans with institutional plans, turnover in personnel, not enough staff or money to meet goals, failure to review plans regularly, and structuring plans with too little latitude to shift priorities as needed. (MLW)

Some things to consider before planning separate alumni activities or associations for young alumni include common assumptions about young adults' interests, spending patterns, willingness to do fund-raising, and interest in meeting older graduates. (MSE)

The Mills College Alumnae Admissions Representative program is described. Three priorities for developing a program are identified: setting goals, deciding on management, and establishing the scope of program. The selection of volunteers and their training are discussed. Recognition of volunteer effort is seen as especially important. (MLW)

The editor of Boston University's alumni magazine who orchestrated its redesign and extended its appeal to Boston's general public is interviewed about the strategies used and the response of both the university and the city community. (MSE)

Alumni continuing education programs can be self-supporting, but they will not thrive unless faculty and administration appreciate their intrinsic value. Garnering ideas and support from the campus community can be invaluable. The alumni program director's goal is to show that continuing education is an extension of the institution's primary…

A bad attitude can sabotage recruiting volunteers. After examining attitudes, alumni administrators need to set goals, make plans, write job descriptions, recruit the right people for the job, and delegate properly. Ways to ensure good continuing relations are offered. (MLW)

Alumni periodical editors who successfully carry advertising were surveyed. Advertising, it is suggested, can pay for itself and defray part of production and distribution costs. The range of advertisers includes national, local, and in-house advertising, classified, business and professional advertising, and career placement advertising. (MLW)

As their graduates assume increasingly powerful civic and career positions, community colleges should utilize alumni as potential sources of fiscal and community support. To do so requires an alumni affairs organization through which the college and its alumni can be of help to each other. Colleges can provide former students with opportunities…

For two-year colleges to keep pace with inflation, new sources of revenue must be cultivated. A nonprofit foundation may be the answer. Community college fund-raisers must tailor their private giving efforts to meet the needs of their unique constituency. Ideas for fund-raising events and areas are suggested. (MSE)

Results of a national survey of colleges and universities concerning alumni involvement in off-campus community service programs indicate a broad variety of activities. Steps to take in establishing and managing an alumni association community service project are outlined. (MSE)