Sept. 13, 2005 issue

I was originally attracted to Eastern Michigan University for the diversity of responsibilities in my position and the close community feel of the campus.

As director of alumni programs, I have the opportunity to interact with EMU's 20 alumni chapters, coordinate alumni volunteer programs, organize alumni activities and maintain communication between the alumni and the University.

One of the major alumni events each year is Homecoming. Our office spearheads the activities and makes sure that everything runs smoothly. When alumni come back to campus, many feel as if they are literally coming home. They gather for reunions, look for their favorite professors, visit their old-time haunts and check out how the campus has changed and what has stayed the same.  

At the Homecoming game or "Go Green" tailgate activities, alumni can talk with former classmates, as well as current students, and possibly discover things they have in common. That connection could be something as simple as a required class to a similar career choice.

Since our graduates are so varied in age and experience, it's sometimes hard to find activities that all alumni are interested in attending. But our office is committed to finding ways to get all of our alumni involved with their alma mater.

Students have the opportunity during many Homecoming activities to share their EMU pride. This positive connection draws them into the Eastern family and into possibly becoming future active alumni. We have found that the more involved you are as a student, the more involved you will be as a graduate.

Someone from the alumni office attends each Homecoming event. It's all part of our "friend-raising" activities to connect people with the University.

I look forward to continuing to build connections with the alumni and creating a positive atmosphere about the University.

 

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