The Washington University Alumni Association strives to help alumni stay engaged with the university. One way the Alumni Association does this is by linking students and alumni through the Student Alumni Ambassador Program (SAAP) and the Alumni Transition Series.
SAAP is designed to increase personal and professional connections between alumni and students. Now in its third year, SAAP boasts nearly 30 student members and sponsors numerous events throughout the year. SAAP held four mentorship dinners last year, where alumni presented interesting topics and led discussion with students. Last spring, SAAP hosted a dinner with Bill Morris, MD, EMBA ’89, an oncologist, and Krista Whitney, AB ’09, a first-year medical student. The duo shared their perspectives on the medical profession with students.
The Alumni Transition Series helps prepare seniors for their lives as alumni. Last year, students enjoyed networking events and seminars on various topics from cooking to how to change a flat tire. The most popular event is the Senior Class Toast (see photo above) when seniors are officially welcomed into alumni life.
If you live in the St. Louis area and would like to participate in an upcoming event, please contact the Alumni Association at 314-935-6503 or alumniassociation@wustl.edu.
Commemorate, Participate, Celebrate
REUNION 2010 CELEBRATION PROVES A GREAT SUCCESS.
Each year, Reunion gives undergraduate alumni the opportunity to renew friendships and see what is new on the Danforth Campus. In April 2010, 1,039 young alumni and their guests gathered to celebrate their 1st, 5th and 10th Reunions. That is a 13 percent increase in alumni attendance and an 11 percent increase in overall attendance compared to Reunion 2009. More than 800 alumni and guests attended Alumni Weekend in May, including several members of the Class of 1940 who celebrated their 70th Reunion.
Undergraduate alumni also showed their class spirit by participating in the Reunion Class Gift Program. Their support helps provide essential funds that go to work immediately for scholarships, enhancements to our classrooms and labs, and unparalleled learning opportunities. Reunion gifts and pledges from alumni totaled $8.9 million.
Congratulations to the undergraduate Reunion classes on a record-breaking celebration.
The 50th Reunion Class of 1960 had the highest increase in participation — 12 percent over their four-year giving average. In photo above, Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton (left) presented the participation trophy during Alumni Weekend last May to members of the 50th Reunion Executive Committee: from left, Bob Piening, AB ’60, BSBA ’60, MBA ’61; Rochelle Albert Hicks, BSBA ’60; Barbara Deutsch Newmark, AB ’60; Michael Newmark, AB ’60, JD ’62; John Gianoulakis, AB ’60; and Elaine Wache Greenbaum, AB ’60. (Photo: Joe Angeles)
For more information on Reunion 2011, visit reunions.wustl.edu.
Alumna Volunteer Spotlight —
Michelle A. Purdy, AB ’01, MA ’03
WHY DO YOU VOLUNTEER FOR WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY?
Washington University is a very special place for me, and I volunteer because of the people and programs at the university [that are] significant to my professional and personal growth.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR CURRENT AND PAST VOLUNTEER ROLES?
I enjoy encouraging and facilitating connections between alumni. As co-chair of the Class of 2001 5th Reunion, I found it easy to promote Reunion weekend because of the support of my co-chair and Alumni Relations. I look forward to an exciting 10th Reunion this spring.
As a member of the Alumni and Parents Admission Program, I embrace opportunities to discuss various aspects and features of the university with prospective students. I also participate in service and leadership activities, such as the Gephardt Institute Alumni Council, which is committed to promoting civic engagement.
Additionally, I value supporting particular undergraduate programs and activities in which I was involved. I assisted with planning the 20th anniversary of the John B. Ervin Scholars Program in 2007 and the first Student Union Reunion in 2009. Visiting with current Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellows allows me to share my experiences as a past fellow and to highlight the ways in which the Mellon Program has influenced my graduate education.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ALUMNI WHO ARE CONSIDERING VOLUNTEERING AT THE UNIVERSITY?
I encourage alumni to remain associated with an academic or scholarship program, or an activity of importance to their university experience. These associations allow one to focus on his or her initial contributions to the university community. Alumni then can expand on these experiences when extending their volunteer roles to other facets of the university.
To learn more about how to volunteer, contact the Alumni Association at 314-935-7378 or 800-867-ALUM (toll-free), or e-mail alumniassociation@wustl.edu
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