Improving productivity in alumni programs involves finding the right combination of budget, staff, and program that will energize the alumni. Whitman College has found that spending money, time, and energy to motivate and train volunteers, educate staff, and involve students yields rich dividends. (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)

As a profession, alumni relations is moving from its ancillary function into the mainstream of safeguarding the life of universities. The development of alumni associations and alumni relations is traced from its beginning to this position of importance. (JMD)

An alumni association dues program has these benefits: operating funds, program expansion, identification of committed alumni, and association independence from the institution. Its problems can be: possible competition with the annual fund, possible competition with constituent associations dues programs, and negative reaction to direct mailings.…