Page 12 - Laker Connection Fall 2012

DREAMS. MADE REAL.
The Office of Alumni Relations Laker Alumni Forever
“Clayton State students for a short time, but Laker alumni forever” is a popular axiom for the Clayton State Office of Alumni Relations, and it fittingly represents the the primary function of the Alumni Office ... build-
ing and maintaining relationships for a lifetime.
The Clayton State Office of Alumni Relations is a depart-
ment within the University’s Division of External Relations. The current Alumni Relations Department was created in 2006 with the department’s first full-time alumni director starting at that time.
The purpose of the Alumni Office is to foster and build strong relationships with current and future graduates of the insti- tution. More specifically, the mission of the department, along with the help of the school’s dedicated alumni, is to “enhance Clayton State’s standing as an outstanding comprehensive metro- politan university, and provide support to Alumni Association members, as they promote an enduring legacy of pride, loyalty and commitment to Clayton State.”
“Alumni are one of the greatest assets of a University,” said Kate Trolestra, vice president for External Relations. “Building and maintaining relationships with our alumni base is so important in the overall success of a university. Not only are our alumni our biggest supporters, they can also serve as advisers and advocates in support of the school’s mission, as they have vested interest in the success of the institution.”
Since the Alumni Department’s creation six years ago, the Alumni Office has diligently worked to create a structure to better communicate and engage with the University’s 19,000 alumni, whom mostly reside in metro Atlanta.
With the University’s first alumni class dating from 1970, and the fact that Clayton State has graduated a much
higher percentage of students in recent
years, the institution has a relatively
young alumni base. Figures show that more than 75 percent of Clayton State alumni graduated within the last 20 years.
The Alumni Office’s structured communications consists of several mechanisms to reconnect with our young alumni base. The plan utilizes the department’s official website, a bi-weekly email newsletter, the bi-annual Laker Connection magazine, along with social media platforms, such as Facebook and LinkedIn.
In addition to connecting with alumni through the commu- nications plan, the Alumni Office engages with current students and alumni through a number of special events and activities. Two of the most visible events for Alumni Relations are Homecoming and the Annual Alumni Dinner.
Homecoming at Clayton State is relatively new, dating back
President Tim Hynes reserves the first Clayton State University specialty license plate. Clayton State friends and alumni, show your support by reserving your plate today at clayton.edu/tag.
10 THE LAKER CONNECTION