With Homecoming/Family Weekend soon approaching, many alumni will be returning to campus to relive their college days. But are the relations between the University and the alumni as good as they seem?
Jennifer Wuensch ‘04 thinks that the University has decent relations with the alumni.
“I think the University maintains good alumni relations through the various programs and events held throughout the year across the country and through their continued resources and career support,” she said.
But she also said there are always means for improvement.
“I think the University should increase the amount of events and programs geared toward young alumni. There should be more opportunities for more recent grads to reconnect and network with each other,” continued Wuensch.
In regards to the alumni’s relations with the University, Megan Hallissy ‘10, the president of the Student Alumni Association, said that although she doesn’t usually communicate personally with them, for they interact between her and the group’s advisor, she sees the results of good relationships.
“From my experience, the alumni that we have the most interaction with have been extremely supportive and receptive to supporting and attending our events and we often have repeat performers,” she said. “Some of the people who are coming for Major Decisions (an upcoming SAA event) are coming back for a second year and they respond very quickly when we invite them to attend or are very regretful when they cannot attend.”
When it comes to the endowments donated to the University by alumni, a true testament to relations, Fairfield doesn’t hesitate to ask their most recent alum for donations. According to Wuensch, her class was asked to contribute money before graduation, during senior week.
Currently, the University hosts annual events in which they ask the alumni for donations. One such event is the phone-a-thon, which is occurring presently.
The University Advancement department did not respond by press time with comments on alumni donations or any specific figures.
According to Director of Alumni Relations Janet Canepa ‘82, “The Office of Alumni Relations prides itself on its ability to continuously offer exciting, educational, and spirited events and opportunities for its alumni.”
Hallissy said that the SAA hosts student programs throughout the year that alumni are invited to.
“The main goal of SAA is to bridge the gap between the student body and the alumni. We coordinate events on campus in order for students to interact with alumni, network, and take advantage of this large resource,” she said.
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