Alumni Association celebrates a successful 2010

December 29, 2010

The ASU Alumni Association continued to strengthen Arizona State University’s alumni community in 2010, successfully positioning itself to both meet alumni needs and advance the university.<separator></separator>The Alumni Association experienced an increase in membership this year, due in large part to the growth of its Student Alumni Association, which serves ASU’s undergraduates, and the Arizona State Young Alumni (ASYA), its group for new graduates and Sun Devils age 35 and younger. ASYA was a critical component in the Alumni Association’s outreach efforts to the rapidly growing under-35 demographic segment, which now comprises 31 percent of the university’s alumni base. Members enjoyed an enhanced array of benefits during 2010, as the association delivered discounts and special offers from corporate partners that included Harry & David and the YMCA, and on-campus partners such as the ASU Bookstores and Lyric Opera Theatre.<separator></separator>The Alumni Association launched the Alumni Career Resources program in September. The organization facilitated career-coaching sessions for alumni, continued its popular monthly networking mixers, held a special event in November featuring ASU women’s basketball Head Coach Charli Turner Thorne, and plans to launch a series of educational seminars on career-related topics early next year.<separator></separator>Events form the backbone of the Alumni Association’s alumni engagement strategy, and 2010 saw the organization host scores of gatherings. Activity highlights included:<separator></separator>Founders’ Day, the association’s signature awards dinner, honored its first international award recipient – His Excellency Sultan Saeed Nasser Al Mansoori '88 B.S.E.;<separator></separator>ASYA hosted pre-show receptions at select ASU Gammage shows, monthly “Dinner with a Dozen Devils” events at top area restaurants, and game watching parties;<separator></separator>A February “Live to Give” event showcased high-profile women and their paths to success, emphasizing the importance of community service;<separator></separator>The Homecoming Legends Luncheon in October honored nearly 30 Sun Devil quarterbacks, representing more than 60 years of ASU football;<separator></separator> A new intramurals program debuted in September, offering alumni and friends the chance to play volleyball, softball, and other sports in a casual setting.<separator></separator>The Alumni Association continued to connect out-of-state Sun Devils with each other and the university; its chapter, club and connection group network grew during 2010 to include 75 affiliates, including 13 international groups. An upgrade of the association’s Web site and the launching of a mobile-friendly version of the site allowed ASU supporters around the globe to access information about the organization’s activities more easily.<separator></separator>“Chapter outreach is critical to keeping Sun Devils connected to ASU – whether that connection is based on where they live, a special interest or affinity, or their academic background,” said Christine K. Wilkinson, president of the ASU Alumni Association. “Our chapter network advances university initiatives, and most groups also offer career networking events, as well as the opportunity to participate in local service projects.”<separator></separator>Student scholarships are one significant way that the Alumni Association fulfills its mission to advance the university, and in 2010, the organization welcomed 27 new and 72 returning scholars to its Medallion Scholarship program, a comprehensive scholarship program that incorporates components of leadership, scholarship and service. In October, the association unveiled a new design for the ASU collegiate license plate, which funds the scholarships.<separator></separator>In addition to its work with the Medallion Scholarship program, the Alumni Association also inaugurated a Legacy Scholarship for family members of dues-paying association members. The association awarded three $1,000 scholarships for the 2010-11 school year. The program is expected to expand in 2011, creating additional opportunities for generations of Sun Devil families to attend ASU.<separator></separator>Additional information on the Alumni Association's activities this year can be found by listening to the current episode of the organization's official podcast, "The Alumni Experience," which is available at <a href="http://alumni.asu.edu/gallery/podcast" target="_blank">alumni.asu.edu/gallery/podcast</a>.<separator></separator>Media contact:<separator></separator>Tracy Scott<separator></separator><a href="mailto:tracy.scott@asu.edu">tracy.scott@asu.edu</a>

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