We Are Listening ...
I am taking this moment to provide you with the results of our recent alumni survey, which focused its attention on the value alumni place on the benefits, programs and services we provide. The survey results are consistent with prior surveys and polls, indicating that what alumni value highly is being able to connect with each other and their alma mater, by way of the Alumni Association and campus communication tools. Also of value, that made it into the top five: alumni social and professional networking opportunities; discounts on general merchandise, entertainment, area hotels and travel; career development programs and workshops; online tools and resources; and discounts for on-campus merchandise.
We are hearing your requests for more campus-related benefits and working to bring them to you, some of which will include the Campus Center Parking Garage, the newly renovated UMass Hotel at the Campus Center and The University Club, formerly known as the Faculty Club. The Alumni Association will be providing added benefits in association with some restructure of our membership program, with the goal of providing you greater value for your continued investment in your Alumni Association.
I hope many of you checked the progress made by our alumni volunteers in New Orleans last month. Once again, UMass Amherst alumni have done us proud. Access to the photos, videos and stories regarding their efforts are available through our website, and I urge you to take a moment to see for yourselves. We look forward to bringing our alumni together for more community service projects in the future.
While many of our programs are focused on providing for and connecting alumni, the Alumni Association also provides programs and opportunities for students. Our Student Alumni Association (SAA) serves as a link between current students, alumni, faculty, staff, and prospective students and their families. We are very pleased that our campus was selected to host, through our SAA, the 2010 Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Affiliated Student Advancement Programs (CASE ASAP) District I Conference on campus this month, bringing together more than 150 student leaders and staff advisors from universities across the northeast as well as eastern Canada. The conference will provide an opportunity for strengthening the organizational development of each university’s student group, and enhance leadership skills and personal growth. To learn more about our SAA volunteers, please take a moment to direct your attention to the students section on our website.
Having returned from attending a recent CASE District I Conference myself, I can say that the opportunities afforded by these events to engage and connect with so many universities, colleges and schools are invaluable. And, suffice it to say, listening to and meeting keynote speaker, John Jacobs ’90, an alumnus and creative businessman extraordinaire, was an added and inspirational benefit. And I will leave you with his inspiring words, “Optimism can take you anywhere.”
Regards,
Anna Symington '76S, '79, '83G
Executive Director
UMass Amherst Alumni Association
annas@admin.umass.edu