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)

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)

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)

Alumni directors were asked how they share career network responsibilities with the career office. Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Career Connections, a program that draws on alumni to help students plan their careers, consists of workshops for alumni and students, brings alumni speakers, and a mentor program. (MLW)