Alumni Association Home > Past Issues > 2006 > January-February 2006	Print View

“The University of Minnesota Alumni Association will become the most influential organization in advancing the University’s goal to be one of the top three public research institutions in the world.” This bold statement was approved in December as the vision for theUMAA’s 2006–10 strategic plan. A tall order? Yes, but we can deliver on this promise with your help.

UMAA president Robert Stein provides an overview of the process that led our strategic planning. We believe the association has both an opportunity and a mandate to be a real player in transforming the University. And here are six easy things you can do to help right now—just by clicking your mouse.

Be a legislative advocate. More than 60 percent of our graduates live in Minnesota. That’s 216,000 voters who can carry compelling messages to the state capitol. The University is requesting $206 million in bonding this legislative session for building construction, upgrades, and maintenance. We’ll give you all the details about the U’s needs, and how to carry the word to your elected officials, at the U’s Legislative Briefing on January 25. Go to www.SupportTheU.umn.edu and, while you’re there, join the 15,000-member  Legislative Network.

Champion an on-campus football stadium. The alumni association is the natural advocate to ensure that the stadium becomes a reality. Both the legislative leadership and the governor say that a Gopher football stadium will be one of the first issues taken up when the legislature convenes. We need you to call these decision-makers to ensure that they deliver on this promise. Get the latest on the stadium here.

Connect online. Alumni of all ages want electronic communication and access to the U on their own time and own terms. So we are going to invest time and money to enhance our communication with you. We need your e-mail address to maximize interaction, however, so if you aren’t already receiving our monthly member communication, please update your information.

Become a life member. Seventy-six percent of  members say  their relationship with the U is strong or very strong. Not surprisingly, only 41 percent of alumni who have never been members say the same thing. The alumni association offers enhanced communication and engagement opportunities for alumni. And the best way to keep connected for life is to become a life member. We have installment and senior rates, so it’s easy and affordable. To increase your membership commitment, or to give the gift of membership, go to www.alumni.umn.edu/membership.

Make a gift. We’re proud that 34 percent of our members made a gift to the U last year. But our goal is 100 percent of members making gifts. The size of the gift isn’t important, and the University of Minnesota Foundation and the Minnesota Medical Foundation can help you make a difference whether it’s your first gift to the U or one of many. Go to www.giving.umn.edu or www.mmf.umn.edu.

Tell us more about yourself. Beginning in mid-January, the University is conducting a survey of 300,000 alumni to help measure the social and economic impact of U graduates. Please watch your mail for this survey, which will take no more than 15 minutes to complete but will have lasting value for your alma mater.

Thank you in advance for taking a few minutes to do these six easy things—and for helping the U become the best it can be.