Clarkson Magazine

Increasing Alumni Engagement

The Office of Alumni Relations strives to expand the role of alumni in Clarkson's evolution

Alumnus Jim Helmer '76 talks about Clarkson with a
prospective student during Spring Open House.

In his inaugural address last October, President Tony Collins declared that increasing the engagement of alumni in Clarkson must be a key component in the University's ongoing evolution to excellence. Recognizing the University's long and strong tradition of loyal alumni involvement, he observed that alumni are not only Clarkson's "best advertisement" but also its "single greatest resource beyond campus. … Our thousands of alumni are an unmatched resource whose talents, energies and committed support are needed to help us achieve excellence."

Of particular importance to the president is increasing opportunities to involve alumni in recruiting undergraduates. Effective last July, the University combined two previously separate offices to create one Office of Admission and Alumni and Parent Relations. Since then, Vice President Suzanne Liberty and Associate Vice President for Alumni and Parent Relations Steve Newkofsky, along with Admission and Alumni staff, have worked to expand opportunities for such alumni engagement.

In the following summary, Associate Vice President Newkofsky describes these activities:

Steve Newkofsky, Associate
Vice President for Alumni
and Parent Relations.

We all recognize that Clarkson has some of the most committed, loyal and enthusiastic alumni of any institution. They have always been a fantastic resource for this institution. But we also realize that, as strong and effective as our alumni have been, there are many whom we have not yet engaged or who wish to become more involved with their alma mater but don't know how to do so. Thus, we on staff are working with our Alumni Association leaders to increase and improve our efforts. Here are some examples:

Communication
Advancement of our Web page has given alumni the opportunity to be connected to Clarkson in a way that allows for easier dissemination of information on regional and University-based activities. It also enables alumni to keep the University posted on activities in their lives. With a more vibrant online community soon to be released, alumni will be able to keep up with their own classmates and the University will be again able to post information in a timely manner.

Admission
Alumni have continued to voice the desire to be involved in the recruitment of new students. Representation at college fairs, meeting with families of potential students, recommending students from their hometowns, and writing reference letters are among the ways our alumni have assisted in the recruitment of new students. We are also looking at ways for alumni to work with potential students in what are non-traditional markets for Clarkson to provide a broader visibility for the institution.

"We all recognize that Clarkson has some of the most committed, loyal and enthusiastic alumni of any institution."

Regional Activities
With ever expanding opportunities for regional chapters comes a greater occasion to reach a greater number of alumni to be involved in activities sponsored by Clarkson and the chapter. Leadership in a variety of areas has lead to excellent programming and greater offerings of programs for alumni to gather as Clarkson alumni. Continued refreshing of ideas will attract new alumni to get involved in the programs being offered!

Governance
The Alumni Association is revising the way it does business, taking a refreshed look at volunteerism and generating new opportunities for alumni to create the time for their alma mater. Committee structures target the importance of an alumni association providing services to alumni and future alumni to attract people to stay connected. Career services are among the opportunities for alumni to engage with Clarkson and provide a service for the alumni.

Affinity Groups
Clarkson alumni have engaged with the institution through their involvement in clubs, organizations, sports and other related activities. Targeting opportunities to assist these groups in planning and welcoming alumni back during Reunion Weekend and throughout the academic year will keep alumni engaged in the institution. These groups added value to the individual's education at Clarkson. They continue to add value and create opportunities for alumni and undergraduates to gather and share common experiences.

Corporate Connections
Many large companies have a multitude of Clarkson graduates working for them and yet the graduates don't know one another. Clarkson is creating the opportunity for this engagement and networking by providing corporate luncheons and other related activities to bring Clarkson graduates together within their work environment. The networking that occurs as a result of this engagement carries on long after the program ends!

Eight Alumnae participated as
facilitators in the Clarkson/GE
Women's Leadership Weekend in
March, including Katie Campbell '03
(standing above left).

Giving to Clarkson
In addition to the many ways our alumni have the opportunity to volunteer, they also have the opportunity to give financially to Clarkson. This type of engagement goes along way to supporting the future students at Clarkson. Through the Annual Fund Office, alumni have engaged with Clarkson in giving monetarily.

Alumni in Residence
Alumni also have returned to Clarkson and have gone into the classroom to give a snapshot of the working world as they see it. Spending time with current students is an excellent way to have alumni engage with Clarkson and benefit the current student body.

Celebration of Tradition
Recognizing the value of tradition at Clarkson helps in planning activities that will engage alumni. In July at Reunion we are celebrating 100 years of the Alumni Association, 100 years of Greek Life, 100 years of Chemical Engineering and 50 years of iE&M. We want alumni to ask: 'Where is my niche and how can I reconnect with these groups to celebrate the tradition that has been a part of my Clarkson life?'

Looking to the Future
The Alumni Relations Office and the Alumni Association recognize the value of connecting with the undergraduates so that as they leave Clarkson they will have a greater understanding of the value of being part of the alumni body. Capture their spirit now and they will engage in Clarkson as soon as they go out into the working world. They will understand the value of staying connected and engaging in the networking with fellow alumni and the institution.