Even though it’s been years since many of your university’s past graduates have walked around the campus, it doesn’t mean that you should no longer show them your support. The alumni play a huge role in promoting the quality of education of your institution, becoming brand ambassadors who showcase the skills they’ve learned during their time in university. They’re also great sources for networking and provide current students and fellow graduates with job opportunities that can be crucial for their career development.
It can be challenging to come up with ways on how you can show your appreciation for your university’s alumni. You want to make sure that this gesture properly conveys how grateful you are for the contributions they’ve made during and after their time on campus. Let’s take a look at five ways can honor your institution’s alumni so that you can be assured that you have their support.
How to Honor Your University’s Alumni
Give Them University-Themed Gifts
Presenting university-themed gifts is a great way to evoke a sense of nostalgia in your alumni. Tokens such as university-branded enamel lapel pins, clothing, and mugs can serve as a lasting reminder of their time at your institution, as well as indicate their lifelong membership in the university’s community.
A great thing about these gifts is that you can personalize them to create a stronger emotional connection between the alumni and their alma mater. For example, you can mail T-shirts, featuring the alumni’s name, major, and year they graduated. You can even throw in university-logoed pens and keychains so that when the alumni open their package, they’ll get an extra surprise.
Set up an Alumni Hall of Fame Wall
Creating an alumni hall of fame is an excellent way to celebrate the most accomplished alumni. This dedicated space within the university campus can showcase the remarkable achievements of former students, during and after their time at university. The Hall of Fame wall can feature plaques, photographs, and stories of distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields.
Highlighting notable alumni can also be beneficial for current students. When they pass by the wall, they can see the remarkable journeys of their predecessors and be inspired by their perseverance and dedication to excellence. The Hall of Fame can also motivate them to aim higher and work harder to leave their mark on the world.
For your university, you can use this space as an educational tool. By featuring alumni from different backgrounds, industries, and walks of life, you can emphasize the diverse opportunities and paths available to your students. It helps current students realize that success takes various forms and that your university can be their launchpad to propel them closer to their dreams.
Hold Alumni Appreciation Events
Alumni appreciation events are a fantastic way to honour and engage with former students. These events can take many forms, from homecoming celebrations to reunions, gala dinners, or special lectures. They also offer an opportunity for alumni to reconnect with their peers, faculty, and the institution itself.
Moreover, these gatherings provide your alumni with a platform where they can celebrate their achievements, as well as share their successes and wisdom with the broader university community. Apart from these, you can also organize events where former students can engage with current students. This way, your alumni can provide the student body with valuable insights that can help them excel in their university and professional life.
Create an Alumni Newsletter
An alumni newsletter is a valuable tool for maintaining a strong connection with former students. It can be a regular publication that highlights the accomplishments and stories of your alumni. The newsletter can also include articles on the achievements of past graduates, upcoming events, and updates on university initiatives. To make the newsletter more engaging, you can encourage your alumni to contribute their own stories, insights, or reflections. Additionally, they can feature profiles of distinguished alumni in each issue, showcasing their career progression and contributions to society.
The alumni newsletter may seem like a simple way to keep former students updated on their fellow graduates’ lives and university news, but it has a bigger purpose. It serves as a bridge between alumni and their alma mater. It provides them with a window into the achievements and ongoing activities of the university, making them feel like they are still part of the institution’s journey. Moreover, a newsletter can also bring back fond memories and provide a sense of pride in their affiliation.
Offer Naming Opportunities for Distinguished Alumni
One of the most profound ways you can honour your former students is to name a scholarship, academic program, building, or research centre after them. This recognition not only acknowledges their contributions to their chosen field, as well as your university, but it also serves as a testament to their legacy. In the event a deserving alumnus receives this opportunity, make sure to host a naming ceremony and invite their fellow alumni and their families to celebrate the occasion. This commemorates the former student’s greatness and your university’s commitment to excellence.
Your university’s alumni may have graduated, but their contributions to their alma mater never cease. They’re proof that your institution can produce successful individuals, inspiring current students the inspiration to aim high. Thus, to thank them for their continuous impact, it’s in your best interest to present them with these tokens and opportunities as a way to honour them.
