Best alumni relations: my nominee
 

My nominee for "Best Alumni Relations" goes to SPE at Tenn.

I saw their latest newsletter today - 16 glossy pages, 41 good pix, good news on upcoming and past events, even the undergrads are good lookin.

Financially, they report over $14,000 in 2002 alumni dues income (and list all the payers), and expenses of $2700 for the spring newsletter and $3700 for the summer issue. Last year they had 448 payers.

The chapter initiated 35 NM, and awarded eight $500 freshman scholarships (only two of the 8 pledged, but 400 applied and 40 were interviewed at their homes). They won 2002 Carnicus (a big deal variety show).

They have collected $400,000 cash + $800,000 in pledges from alumni towards a new $2 mil house. They've got two alumni who have joined the "Founders Club" with donations over $100,000, and four more in the "Over $50,000 "Shebeen Club".

Founders Day is already planned (April 26, at Knoxville's new convention Center). 16 alums/wives recently toured Scandinavia, following two years of planning.

The chapter has a fabulous alumni program, giving alumni what they want (news, activities, continuity), and the alumni are giving the chapter stability, supervision, and support.

I luv it.

PS: First one to send me a mailing address can get the issue.