University of Minnesota Alumni Association
 
Alumni Association Home > Alumni Awards Celebration  
Chicago Alumni Chapter
Slide08
The Chicago Chapter’s slogan is “make Chicago smaller, one alum at a time.”  This group has been enthusiastically and steadily elevating its connection with the Alumni Association, the U, and more than 5,000 Chicago-area alumni over the last three years. 

What’s the key to their success? 

  • A leadership team of 10 energetic and dedicated volunteers;
  • A diverse agenda of events throughout the year that appeal across alumni ages and interest; and
  • Technology to promote and communicate; and
  • Strategic planning and goal-setting. 

They increased the number and breadth of their events, including:

  • Hosting Gopher football coach Tim Brewster at a Happy Hour in conjunction with the Big Ten Football Kickoff luncheon that more than 75 alumni attended;
  • Working with the U’s Office of Admissions, promoting the U to prospective students at local college fairs and hosting a reception for admitted students and a New Student Sendoff;
  • Hosting gatherings in conjunction with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, “A Prairie Home Companion” show, Big Ten Night at a Twins/White Sox game, a tailgate before the Gopher-Wildcat football game, more than a dozen “game watches,” and a cooking class called “Iron Chef- the Chicago Gopher Edition.”