With more than 186,000 alumni as of May 2012, the level of involvement by graduates is continually evolving. Over time, the range of activities have included the following:
- Mentoring students: Everything from more sustained/involved types of mentoring to “professional etiquette” dinners
- Tutoring
- Providing internships
- Student teaching supervision: Hosting student teachers in their classrooms
- Participating in recruitment fairs: Representing companies, organizations at events where ISU students are recruited
- Reviewing student resumes: Everything from assisting with interviewing to sharing skills needed to transition from student to professional life
- Helping students move-in at the start of the semester
- Volunteering at commencement: Helping with various aspects of the May and December ceremonies
- Serving on advisory boards for colleges, departments, and other campus programs
- Writing letters of reference for students
- Speaking to classes: Sharing life experiences, professional experiences, and general advice
- Speaking to student organizations
- Promoting ISU to future/prospective students at open houses, in their schools, and within communities
- Promoting ISU Athletics teams and scholarships for student-athletes: Everything from contribution to the Weisebecker Scholarship Fund to remaining a season ticket holders
- Serving on the Alumni Association and Foundation Boards
- Promoting Homecoming at community and campus events
- Planning Homecoming and other important alumni/campus activities
- Supporting ISU students through giving to various scholarship programs
- Supporting ISU programs and faculty through giving to improve facilities, labs, technology
- Organizing and leading alumni networks
- Contacting fellow alumni and encouraging their participation in reunions, giving to ISU, and attendance at alumni/university events
- Organizing and hosting alumni reunions
- Advocating for Illinois State on issues of importance with policymakers and other community leaders
- Connecting fellow Redbirds to new jobs and professional opportunities
- Wearing ISU gear, placing bumper stickers, displaying their diplomas: All are an effective way to promote ISU within communities
- Making international connections: Supporting ISU students who are transitioning to international internships a semester abroad, or other global experiences
- Sharing good news about ISU with fellow friends/alumni
- Supporting Redbirds in military service
- Displaying ISU flags and Redbird pride as military personnel abroad
- Recognizing the achievements of fellow alumni through awards programs
Visit the Alumni Association’s website for more information.
