For 133 years the UMass Amherst Alumni Association has been a vibrant part of our campus community. Our mission has always been to strengthen the lifelong bond between the university and its alumni, to foster enduring friendships among alumni, to support students, and to help shape the future of UMass Amherst—a place that has played such a major role in all of our lives. With 211,000 living alumni, our organization reaches across the US and around the world, and as president of this active organization, I am happy to report that alumni participation has never been stronger!
This past year, your Alumni Association has implemented many of the programs you have identifi ed as important and relevant to your life stage, including professional development, social networking, outreach to students, and expanded regional clubs and activities. Our strategic plan calls for developing more opportunities for volunteerism and advocacy, increasing paid membership, and supporting collaboration between the Amherst fl agship campus and the University of Massachusetts system. We are working to recognize the unique college experience of each generation, while keeping you in touch, informed, and involved in your alma mater of today.
For example, 200 programs were delivered last year through the Alumni Association and our 30 regional Alumni Clubs across the country. Support for the increased programming has been outstanding with close to 100,000 alumni participating in an Alumni Association volunteer activity, event, or service—almost half of all of our alumni. You are connecting in greater and greater numbers, via the Alumni Association’s online alumni directory, electronic newsletter, reunions, sporting event receptions, and mentoring opportunities.
I encourage you to continue actively support your Alumni Association. Become involved by participating in your local Alumni Club, attending an event, volunteering your time, or becoming a paid member; it is a rewarding experience and one that makes a lasting difference to our whole community.
Kathleen Mitchell ’79
President, UMass Amherst Alumni Association
PS. Feel free to contact me any time with your comments, thoughts, and ideas at alumni@admin.umass.edu
You were. You are. UMASS.
