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.