University of Memphis Alumni Association and Alumni and Constituent Relations

Executive Summary

The University of Memphis Alumni Association, led by President Martin Zummach in his second year of leadership, takes pride in the continued growth of alumni participation and giving during the past six years. Participation has increased at every level and, at FY09, stands at an institutional high with increased alumni, friend and donor engagement. Organized by a more formal structure designed to support alumni and friends of the University, the U of M Alumni Association has taken vital steps to implement procedures and policies in step with “best practices” in the field.

Membership

The University of Memphis Alumni Association enjoys the largest membership in its history. Prior to 2003, the largest paid membership on record was 2,440. The current number of Alumni Association paid members is 5,576, an all-time high representing yet another increase over last year. With the current economic climate, the Association has experienced a slowing down of joining, but membership has still steadily increased.

Notable Association Projects

• Creation of the Associate Member program that includes a complimentary membership in the Association for new graduates for their first year; marketing campaign designed to promote the Associate Member program and the Association.
• Partnership developed with the University of Memphis Association of Retirees (UMAR).
• Unveiling of extensively enhanced benefits package for members of the Alumni Association to include discounts from local, regional and nationalcompanies and businesses.
• Targeted marketing effort for the Alumni Association during the football bowl activities and NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.
• Redesign of Alumni and Friends Web page.
• Creation of the True Blue Bulletin that is sent weekly to club and chapter leadership highlighting the Association meetings and events for two weeks at a time.

Closing Comments

As stated last year, we confront market uncertainties as an Association: however, our overarching goals will remain the same in the future. We will continue to focus on membership growth, with a goal of 10,000 by 2012. We will also continue the strengthening of the Association through focus on clubs and chapters and the expansion of communication with our alumni and friends.