In an effort to leverage students' positive community engagement experiences as they transition to and become alumni, Portland State University (PSU) embarked on a pilot "Continuing Engagement Program." This article provides a rationale for this effort, an overview of the programmatic elements, lessons learned, and future engagement…

Describes collaborative efforts among the alumni relations departments of three Maine liberal arts colleges. Discusses how the cooperative effort began, unexpected benefits, the give and take of partnerships, and adding partners. A sidebar provides examples of four other cooperative efforts. (EV)

Many small-shop alumni directors with no-frills budgets have found volunteer alumni help worth the organizing efforts. Some creative ways that colleges and universities have found to inspire new interest among the uninvolved are described. (MLW)

Some off-campus activities for alumni are outlined including: a bluegrass music performance for Carleton College alumni, a week-long "alumni summer college" offered by Lehigh University, and a week-long boat trip down the Colorado River for Arizona State University groups. (MLW)

The most obvious reason for publishing an alumni directory is to encourage alumni involvement--both with each other and the institution. Concerns in deciding between low-cost and no-cost directory production are highlighted as are steps in producing a directory on campus. (MLW)

Economic pressure has played a role in most clashes between independent alumni associations and their college administrations. Some pros and cons of independence are provided and some events of the past few years are described. (MLW)

Alumni organizations have special opportunities to influence the experience of prospective and current college students. This chapter explores programs that enhance connections between students and alumni. (Contains 12 references.) (Author)

The Senior Alumni Program at the University of Western Ontario is a logical variation on alumni special-interest groups. Currently with 500 members and 400 on the waiting list, the only problem is limited staff and meeting space. The group provides the university with a talented, active volunteer force. (MLW)

Dartmouth's class newsletter program has proved to be a simple but effective way to foster loyalty, affection, and support among their alumni. The newsletters also promote continuing education programs, act as informal career and placement networks, and find lost alumni. (MLW)

Alumni clubs and the alumni administrators on campus who help organize them have found that community work provides the added purpose that some groups have traditionally lacked. A community service goal can galvanize a diverse group, sustain loyalty, and extend the reach and reputation of even the most prominent institution. (MLW)

A survey of the best in event ideas, settings, and themes for alumni programs is discussed. Traveling reunions at Greenhill School, a private screening of "Ghostbusters II," morning breakfasts of alumni at Purdue University, are among those described. Capturing the attention of graduating seniors before they leave campus is advocated. (MLW)

Alumni programs involving current students include flood relief at Notre Dame University (Indiana); an Illinois State University extern program; a program matching alumni with students for homecoming activities at the Georgia Institute of Technology; alumni visits to Muhlenberg College (Pennsylvania) classrooms; and career consultation at…

Since the entire alumni program is an educational enterprise, bringing the faculty into every part of the alumni program is advocated. Ways in which faculty have been included in alumni programs are described. (MLW)

In developing programs for nontraditional alumni, aim for a series of targeted programs that play on the human need to belong, to be recognized, and to look good by association with success. The University of Missouri at Saint Louis' lunchtime meetings for business professionals is one such successful program. (MLW)

Some colleges and universities have found that alumni prefer to have ownership of their alumni association, and such a membership program can raise revenues for the institution while providing a valuable communication tool. A strong dues program can work well with an annual giving campaign. A variety of membership structures is possible. Details…