FGCU Alumni Association launches new chapters nationwide
September 10, 2015
FGCU’s Alumni Association has launched new regional chapters, with the most recent debuting Aug. 6. During the summer and up through October, the Alumni Association will expand by 10 chapters, all of which are located outside Southwest Florida.
The organization works to connect the university’s 22,000 graduates with other alumni and faculty, providing growth opportunities for both individuals and the university. FGCU alumni celebrate at a Summer Soiree.
“We are bringing FGCU to our alumni,” said Kim Wallace, the university’s director of alumni relations. “They will continue to spread Eagle pride throughout the country.”
In Florida, regional chapters are now located in Broward, Hillsborough and Sarasota counties.
There are also chapters in Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Denver, L.A., New York City and Washington, D.C. Wallace said plans are in motion to formally recognize more in Arizona, North Carolina and Washington, based on interest and participation. James Till, a senior, expressed his desire to join the Alumni Association after graduation this spring.
“Joining the alumni group means a lot of benefits, professional or otherwise,” Till said. “And I’ll still get to be connected to FGCU.”
Members of the FGCU Alumni Association get discounts at multiple university locations, ranging from the bookstore to the Wellness Center. Other locations in Southwest Florida offer discounts, including hotels, gyms and restaurants, as well as some corporate discounts, such as Geico. The association hosts numerous networking and professional growth events and seminars.
A new student segment of the Alumni Association has also launched, allowing enrolled students to become members and to serve as liaisons between alumni and the university. This chapter offers volunteer opportunities and benefits post-graduation and works at campus events and other college nights to re- cruit students to join as alumni.
The Alumni Association facilitates the University Ambassador program, which is designed for students in good standing to represent the university at events and foster positive interactions with outside organizations. Applications are currently being accepted by the Alumni Association.
The Alumni Association is also working to connect current and past students through a new mentoring initiative. Current students will be mentored by alumni located in a job field and city that they aspire to join in the future.
An active alumni association benefits the university through donations to university scholarships and foundations, student recruitment and advocacy in the political realm. All graduates are automatically part of the FGCU Alumni Association without having to register, but lifetime membership and benefits can be achieved with the donation of a “Forever an Eagle” stone paver.
Students can find more information regarding the university’s Alumni As- sociation online at www.Alumni.FGCU. edu or by calling Angela Kunkle, the assistant director of programs, at 239- 745-4343.
