University of Memphis Alumni Association and Alumni and Constituent Relations

Membership Initiatives
The University of Memphis Alumni Association and its related programs continue our focus to inspire and cultivate alumni affinity and involvement, and to enhance the image and reputation of the University of Memphis and the Association that serves our University. Although the Alumni Association continues to coordinate its annual events, much of the past year has centered around the planning of centennial events and the manner in which all areas of the Association will honor the University’s 100th birthday.

Centennial Initiatives
The Alumni Association is hosting five anchor events. These events are the cornerstone of the Association’s celebration of the University’s centennial, as well as being among the weighted events for the overall University celebration. In addition, every area of the Association will participate in the centennial celebration through visible marketing initiatives and detailing. In some clubs, chapters and areas of participation, special one-time events are being planned. The anchor events include:

Tigers Around Town
To celebrate the University’s centennial, the Alumni Association “let the cat out of the bag” in September, introducing 100 life-size Tiger statues. Each statue was uniquely decorated by local artists, students and alumni. The goal of Tigers Around Town is not only to recognize the centennial, but to impressively illustrate the city’s rich history and relationship with the U of M. Tiger statues were sponsored by local fans, alumni and businesses and will be on display at selected locations around Memphis beginning in early 2012 and will remain throughout the year. We hope that Tigers Around Town will not only bring many alumni back to campus, but will also help build awareness of the integral relationship between the University and the city of Memphis.

Reunion Weekend
April 20-22, 2012 – Through our work with academic departments and colleges, alumni groups and student organizations, we are focusing on one weekend in the spring where everyone can gather on campus and attend several events.

Spring Commencement
May 5, 2012 – Although each commencement ceremony is special to those involved, the May 2012 spring commencement will be the most impressive held in University of Memphis history. During the ceremony, the Alumni Association is coordinating an effort to have a representative from each class walk and be recognized. Additionally, each past president of the Alumni Association will be presented with a commemorative medallion specifically designed for the centennial celebration. 

Distinguished Alumni Awards
June 9, 2012 – While each Distinguished Alumni Awards is the premier black-tie affair of the year, the centennial gala will be unique in its design and program. The 2012 DAA will not only celebrate the University’s best and brightest, it will also highlight the University’s accomplishments throughout its first 100 years. Former presidents of the Alumni Association will be recognized, special presentations will be made for service to the Association, and each college and school will be highlighted.

Homecoming
Fall 2012 – The Alumni Association anticipates that events related to the centennial celebration will be added to traditional Homecoming activities. A date has not yet been set due to the unavailability of the football schedule. 

Goals 
1) Membership — Reach 12,000 Alumni Association members by Dec. 31, 2012. A strong membership program is crucial to the long-term growth and success of the Alumni Association. The chief components of our program bring focus to alumni engagement, Association recognition and value in membership. A major emphasis and investment has been made to build membership at the University of Memphis through expanded alumni staff and an extensive restructure of the entire program that began in 2003.

2) Programming Efforts — Evaluate and revise each program, event and activity to visibly reflect the celebration of the University’s centennial. Programmatically and visually, it is important to represent the University and its celebration. The Alumni Association is in the process of redesigning marketing pieces, invitations, banners, programs and awards within each area to reflect the centennial celebration.

Challenges
A dynamic and robust strategic plan is an essential part of any successful Alumni Association. The Alumni Association’s Executive Board of Directors is currently in the process of revising the long-term and short-term strategic plan.

Records Broken
The Alumni Association saw record attendance and participation in several club and chapter events this past calendar year. All of the events, which are held annually, are considered signature events for their club or chapter. These include:

he Pillars of Excellence awards dinner hosted by the Law Alumni chapter cleared its highest revenue in event history.

The Young Alumni True Blue 5k, held every fall around the U of M campus, registered its highest number of participants this year with 470 runners.

The Luther C. McClellan Alumni Chapter raised it highest total revenue from the Homecoming Step Show this fall.

The Fogelman College of Business & Economics Alumni Chapter recorded its highest number of paid attendees for its annual Alumni Day.

The Band Alumni Chapter held its largest Bandmasters Championships with nearly 40 area high school programs participating in the Mid-South’s premier marching competition.

The Fogelman College of Business & Economics Alumni Chapter had its highest participation in its annual golf tournament with 33 teams and more than 140 golfers.

The Student Ambassador Board’s mudball event had its highest numbers of teams entered with 32.