University of Minnesota Alumni Association : National President: The Meaning of Membership


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Alumni Association Home > Past Issues > 2004 > March-April 2004	Print View

National President: The Meaning of Membership
3/9/2004

By Jerry Noyce, B.A. '67

My life has been influenced by a vast assortment of individuals. Among them is my former next-door neighbor. I met him shortly after my wife and I bought our first house—a tiny little place in Edina. He bought the tiny little house next door. He'd just graduated from the law school at the University of Michigan, so we broke the ice by sharing stories about our recent college experiences and discussing our plans.

"I can't wait to make something of myself," my neighbor told me, "so I can give back to my university." I remember looking at that guy in disbelief. I thought, "Wouldn't it be something special to be that passionate about your school—to feel that kind of loyalty and commitment to it, that kind of desire to give something back?"

Though I might not have been aware of it then, I soon realized that I did, in fact, share that same passion for my alma mater, and that I could and would give back to it. I was reminded of that passion a few months ago. In El Paso, Texas, surrounded by legions of alumni, students, and parents, I cheered the gridiron Gophers to a thrilling, hard-earned victory over Oregon in the Sun Bowl. The game punctuated an unforgettable few days of pregame festivities hosted by the UMAA, which also sponsored the official bowl tour. Decked out in maroon and gold, total strangers and longtime friends—young, old, and every age in between—laughed and cheered together.

It was so much fun to be among this incredibly diverse and vibrant collection of people. It gave me an opportunity to consider, yet again, how important my association membership is in supporting these kinds of community-building activities.

Keep in mind, however, that our membership dues do so much more than help finance bowl-game parties and 100th anniversary celebrations. Day in and day out the UMAA attends to some very serious business. We lobby on behalf of critical University initiatives, we develop enriching mentor relationships between alumni and students, we create student scholarships and recognize distinguished teachers, and so much more. Your membership dollars are critical to these efforts, and without a robust base of alumni and their financial support, UMAA staff and alumni volunteers would be hard-pressed to fulfill the UMAA's mission.

Consider the Legislative Network, a roughly 10,000-member group of University alumni and friends. These folks are committed to educating our elected officials about the irreplaceable role the U plays in maintaining the health and well-being of the state.

Given the current condition of the state's economy, it's more important than ever to support the ongoing effort to keep the University at the forefront of our legislators' minds. As alumni, it is our responsibility to safeguard the future of our University.

Most of you reading this currently are UMAA members. So my question to you is this: Can you increase your commitment to the UMAA? If you're a one-year member, why not consider a three-year membership? Now's the time to do it. In honor of our 100th anniversary year, the UMAA is offering a three-year membership for $96 (compare this to $40 for a one-year membership). If you've been renewing your one- or three-year membership loyally for years, perhaps it is time to become a life member. Would becoming a life member reflect your commitment to the University ?

Here's the bottom line: Membership is a powerful statement of support for your University. By committing our hearts, our minds, and our funds to the UMAA, we can help the University continue to grow and thrive in its role as the educational and economic centerpiece of our state.

And here is where I hope to become an influential person in your life: Think about the level of your passion for the University and then think about how you can show that in your level of commitment.

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