Up, Up, and Away
I’m pleased to report that we now have more than 52,000 members, a 62 percent jump since 1998. We’re the fastest growing alumni association in the Big Ten. You are a part of this extraordinary growth, which underscores a widespread support for the University. This growth was not accidental. It was our goal when we launched our Strategic Plan and Communications Plan three years ago.
Our success was due in part to the vision of our national alumni board, hard work and creativity of our staff, and great cooperation by our constituent associations and regional clubs. Your membership in the MSU Alumni Association is very important for Michigan State University. You help make possible the many programs that support the mission of the university. You also provide us with a tremendous volunteer network as well as financial support. Of course, we also provide many programs that, we hope, serve your needs.
Thousands of alumni joined the MSUAA when we published our first-ever All-Alumni Directory as a benefit of membership. I was very delighted to see just how many of you had a desire to reconnect with former classmates and schoolmates. In general, beyond the directory, many of the MSUAA activities help those linkages take place. We make no qualms, however, that our primary goal is to engage alumni to be resources for the University. Indeed, we constantly try to provide opportunities for you to serve your alma mater.
At the same time, we want to reward you for supporting us. Accordingly, since 1998 our member benefits have increased more than fivefold; currently we offer more than 60 money-saving benefits and services (for a complete list, see www.msualum.com/benefits). We regularly receive letters and emails from grateful members telling us of their savings by using the MSUAA card—whether dining at the Kellogg Center, buying Spartan Spirit merchandise, renting a car, or moving their furniture.
As benefits increase, however, our rates have not risen. Single or joint annual memberships remain at $35, life memberships at $500 (or $350 for seniors over 65). New grads receive a complimentary one-year membership. For your convenience, you can join the MSUAA via direct mail, telephone, web or in person during a visit to our office in the MSU Union. When you joined the MSUAA, about half of your dues support the college and school constituent associations of your choice and a regional club in your area. The rest helps us fund a huge array of programs, including traditional events such as Homecoming, international travel, tours, Evening College, special programs like Kaleidoscope, and, of course, this magazine—perhaps your biggest tangible benefit of membership.
In the last couple of years, you might have spotted some billboards featuring our Sparty mascot, or heard radio spots, or seen colorful ads. They are part of our Communications Plan. You can help us spread the word and eventually make our alumni association not just the fastest-growing, but the largest in the Big Ten. Go Green!
Sincerely,
Keith A. Williams
Executive Director
Michigan State University Alumni Association