Unthinkable Opportunities for

EngagementPresented by:

Debra Prideaux, Executive Alumni DirectorCharlene Nichols, Assistant Alumni Director

November 20, 2010

Alumni Leadership Conference 2010

MissionTo facilitate alumni involvement with the University through

communication, activities and support. The Association promotes Fort Hays State University, its students and its graduates and serves that

community with integrity and pride.

FHSU Alumni Association

FHSU……The Association• 1916 – $5 dues funded alumni directory• 7 Alumni Directors

• Nita Landrum –1928-61• Harold Stones –1961-67• Milford Messer –1967-69• Ron Pflughoft –1970-74• Sally Ward –1974-86• Jan Johansen –1987-88• Ron Pflughoft –1988-97• Debra Prideaux - 1997-Present

• Friend-Raiser/Record Management• History Preserver and Conveyor• Governed by Board of Directors • Robbins Center 2007

•

FHSU ALUMNI BOARD OF DIRECTORSThe Board of Directors is a 24 member, governing board that sets the policy and direction of the Association in developing life-long relationships between the university and its alumni and friends.

2010-11 Executive Council

Brenda Herrman ‘00 President

Brian DeWitt ’89Past President

Kevin Moeder ‘82Finance & Operations

Chair

Cassie Augustine Jones ‘96Membership & Marketing

Chair

Josh Biera ‘92 At-Large Member

Dennis Spratt ‘71At-Large Member

Chuck Sexson ‘72Awards & Recognition

Chair

Interesting FHSU Alumni Facts (FY2009-10)

FHSU – Living Alumnus• Worldwide……………………..41,913• Kansas…………………….........26,118• Ellis County………………………4,073• United States.......................50 states• Foreign.……………………………73 countries

Database Services• Total Files………………………. 86,500• Files………………………………..46,087• Addressable Files…………….43,684• Email Addresses………………26,000+• # of Impressions…………….633,506

Benefits & Services• FHSU Magazine/FHSU-TigerTalk• Student Recognition Programs • Homecoming Weekend• State of Kansas Tiger License Tag• Graduation/Faculty Brunch• Awards & Recognition Program• Lewis Field Pioneers, Half-Century Club

Engagement• # events annually……………….... 45-55• # participants served……………..3,054• # students ……………………………….933• # of Tiger tags…………………………. 459

2010 Alumni Chapter System

•Establish effective chapter system in Kansas and beyond•Unite persons interested in future of Fort Hays State •Offer alumni opportunity to participate in chapters•Develop supporting body of alumni leaders•Welcome new Tiger alumni to your community•Serve as ambassadors of Fort Hays State

• Assist in recruitment of qualified students• Serve as career mentors to current FHSU students• Promote fellowship amongst chapter members• Support University activities and events• Serve as University legislative advocates• Recognition of outstanding alumni efforts

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1. Identify leaders and key founding members2. Select officers

a. Chapter council presidentb. County presidentc. Vice presidentd. Secretarye. Communications coordinator (or

rep)f. Treasurerg. Young alumni activities coordinatorh. Alumni admissions representativei. Community service coordinator (or

rep) j. Legislative advocate

Launching a Chapter

3. Develop bylaws 4. Coordinate and maintain communication strategy 5. Focus on short-term and long-term goals6. Determine calendar and events schedule 7. Reach out to all audiences - inclusion vs exclusion8. Establish traditions and continuity of goals9. Provide recognition of chapter volunteers 10. Communicate with Alumni Office often

Make it fun! Make it meaningful! Make a difference!

Launching a Chapter (cont.)

What we can do for you!• Database support• Membership acquisition & fulfillment services• Accounting & financial services• Funding support through dues revenues• Event participation & support• Assistance with mailings & communications• Source of ideas/expertise• Annual chapter leadership training

What’s Going On?Getting the word out about your chapter’s activities

Communications channels are rapidly

Evolving

We’ve got the tools to help you!

The Basics

Printed InvitationsNeed 18 weeks noticeWhen possible, will be sent bulk mailRSVPs handled by the Alumni Office

The Basics

E-mail InvitationsSent through the Alumni e-mail providerSent at least 2 weeks prior and then again within

week of RSVP dateRSVPs handled by the Alumni Office

• FHSU Magazine 3 issues per year to paid members

(Jan/Feb, May/June, Aug/Sep)

1 issue per year to all addressable alumni and members

Each issue to feature Chapter news

The Basics

• FHSU-TigerTalk Monthly e-newsletter

Sent to 26,000+ alumni and friends

Deadline for submission – 15th of month prior to release

The Basics

• Chapter Web Page Communications Coordinator or other designated

officer will be given administrator rights

Alumni staff will train chapter designee

Lots of possibilities: slide shows/photo albums, downloadable forms, event updates, and more!

Beyond The Basics

• Social Media Alumni staff will create a chapter Facebook page.

Chapter officers will be given administrator privileges

Other possibilities: LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube

The sky’s the limit with social media!

Beyond The Basics

No Matter What Media Strategy you choose, we’re always here to help!

The Bottom Line

Debra PrideauxAlumni Director & Govtl Relations

Charlene NicholsAsst Alumni Director

Lisa LangFinance & Database

Jeani BillingerOffice Mgr

You are the future of Fort Hays StateGet involved - the ways are endless!