Value

Communications through the Alumni Association to alumni and friends provide a valuable service to the University and keep alumni closely connected to the life and work of their alma mater. VISIONS magazine, ISU News Flash, and targeted electronic messages help to solidify the University’s strategic priorities and position its advancement efforts for success. In a recent readership survey, alumni regarded VISIONS magazine as a main source of information about Iowa State.

The ISU Alumni Association’s role in organizing the legislative Alliance has strengthened the success of that highly connected and visible organization throughout the state of Iowa. The Alliance for ISU is a nonpartisan coalition of alumni, parents, students and other ISU friends who value higher education and want to keep Iowa State University strong. The Alliance for ISU corresponds a number of times each year to enable advocates to interact personally with their legislators and Iowa State University administrators.

Projects such as the Legacy Program and Student Alumni Leadership Council’s participation in student recruitment days and new student programs have helped to strengthen student recruitment and retention efforts. Engaged alumni also serve as both formal and informal recruiters/ambassadors throughout the country and as mentors to students.

Activities of the Alumni Association cut wide and deep across campus, connecting and cooperating in alumni activities within colleges and departments, ISU Foundation, and Department of Athletics. The Association maintains a close working relationship with a large number of departments and units campus-wide, helping to provide a unified front to external constituents. Recent collaborations include the ISU Week in Des Moines, football and basketball spirit rallies co-sponsored with the Department of Athletics, a president’s concert series in major U.S. cities, a theatre event in New York, the Distinguished Awards Celebration, and the annual Ames Chamber of Commerce fall open house at Reiman Gardens.

Our current Association president, Jeff Johnson, current and former board presidents, and senior staff members have served on dozens of University committees, providing service to selection committees, hosting open forums, providing an alumni perspective on many issues, and serving as liaisons between alumni and the University. In addition, Johnson and his staff have been actively involved in the Ames community, leading the Ames Chamber of Commerce and Young Professionals Association and heading recent VEISHEA committees to name just a few examples.

The Association fills a valuable role in “friend raising,” the prelude to fundraising. Association communications and events are often that important first contact. Participation in alumni travel programs and leadership roles like the ISUAA Board of Directors often inspire alumni to become more involved with the University and to financially support its programs. The Association also aids in the collection and updating of biographical information on alumni and friends through its many programs, services, and modes of communication. Keeping alumni connected to Iowa State strengthens the value of an Iowa State degree.

Awards programs sponsored or co-sponsored by the Association bring honor and recognition both to the University and to its alumni, faculty, staff, and friends. Outstanding and successful alumni, likewise, elevate the status of this University. The Association facilitates these connections.

Our outstanding events and outreach programs on campus, throughout the state of Iowa, and across the nation and world also bring recognition to the University and enhance the perception of the institution in the eyes of our alumni and to persons who are not connected to or aware of Iowa State. Highly visible programs such as our 2000 Insight.com Bowl pre-game event in Phoenix, Arizona, our 125th anniversary gala celebration in October 2004, and our annual Big 12 Spirit Rallies raise the image of ISU to a large number of constituents; smaller, more intimate activities such as alumni receptions, club activities, and Alumni Days reunions make a personal impression on key alumni and friends.

The Alumni Association’s programs and services are highly respected by our peers. The Council for Advancement and Support of Education has honored the Association for its exemplary work with 67 District VI gold, silver, and bronze awards since 1999. The Association has also been recognized by its national affiliate organizations through the following awards:

• 1998 Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Circle of Excellence for the student membership program

• 1998 Student Alumni Association/Student Foundation national Outstanding Program award for the student membership program

• 2000 CASE Circle of Excellence for the Regents Universities Central Iowa Job Fair

• 2000 CASE Circle of Excellence for the student Homecoming Blitz Build project for Habitat for Humanity

• 2002 Governor’s Volunteer Award for the Homecoming Blitz Build (a state-wide honor)

• 2004 Association of Student Advancement Programs (ASAP) Outstanding Organization award

• 2004 ASAP Outstanding Web Site award

In short, alumni commitment to this University and this organization continues to grow, through increased attendance at events, expanded membership in the Association, a rise in free-will donations as part of the sustaining life program, and an alumni community that embraces the creation of a new alumni center.