SVC/SJC Alumni Association Minutes

Alumni Association Meeting

May 8, 2010

Minutes  

Present: Pauline & Ray Granger ’47, Nikki Brown ’80, Laura Myers-Paligo ’80, Travis Lebel ’89, Joe Papai ’91, Lucille Cook ’51, Louise & Paul Gauthier ’45, Zach Garafalo ’09, Alumni Director Daryl Kenny.

Everyone was pleased with the excellent turnout, with representation from the Class of '45 through the Class of 2009!

Discussion began on how to improve both attendance at alumni events, and communication.  

Events - In an effort to become more ‘green’ we have used online methods to get the word out about events. This is problematic for those without computer access. Hard copy invitations should go out for all major events. It seems as if alumni choose between attending either Homecoming or Reunion. There are also many smaller alumni events such as the Basketball Game in January and Mud Bowl in April that pull attendance from major events. Perhaps all alumni events should be connected in some way to sports. Invite favorite faculty and staff personnel (past and present) to attend Reunion and Commencement; publicize that hey will be there.

Communication - This fall there will be another comprehensive survey of alumni. This would be an excellent opportunity to ask questions about what kinds of things would draw alumni back to campus for events. Travis suggested including questions that were posed in the 12/09 e-newsletter (Daryl will research). The survey will be snail-mailed with an option to fill it out online. One of the questions could be “Do you prefer to receive information through the mail or electronically?”

Leadership – The governing body of the Alumni Association has all but disappeared. Can we start to rebuild with Class Agents? Zach, Travis, Nikki, Laura and Joe volunteered to serve. We should institute quarterly meetings with the option of teleconferencing or skyping. Ask faculty to help promote Alumni Association to graduating classes.

Action Plan – Develop Survey questions. Class agents will meet in July to review and edit. The survey will be mailed out in September. Committee will reconvene in the fall (is Homecoming, 9/25, too soon?) to review results.  

Respectfully submitted,

Daryl Kenny, Director of Alumni Relations