When you are a Stevenson Alumni...
I always knew alumni associations existed, but I never knew the impact it would have on me. As the Director of Public Relations and Alumni Outreach, I have the unique opportunity to collaborate with alumni, university advancement, and the alumni association board.
The Alumni Association of Stevenson University is composed of any graduate of the University's undergraduate or graduate degree programs or any former student who has completed a minimum of 15 credit hours in either the undergraduate or graduate programs and left the University in good standing.
In terms of history, we must remember the University did not begin as Stevenson University (SU). Its roots go back to the founding of Villa Julie College (VJC) in 1946 as a two-year secretarial college. In the 1960s, the alumni became a dues-paying organization. Dues were set at $7.00 per year, were later raised to $15.00, and then finally eliminated in 1976. Over the next forty years, alumni served as advisors to the President, held events like the Fashion Show and an Anniversary Ball to celebrate Villa Julie's 25th anniversary, worked with students on community service projects, and reached out to classmates with phone-a-thons and class reunions.
Flash Forward to present day, the Alumni Association has twenty-nine board members and six associate board members serving on five committees: Athletics, Awards and Nominations, Communications, Events, and the Executive Committee. The Association serves over 12,500 SU alumni including a young alumni base; 75% of the alumni population have graduated since 1990, and 53% since 2000.
Stevenson University alumni receive a number of great benefits, including:
Lifetime membership in the Alumni Association.
Alumni Identification Card that provides free access to the libraries and fully-equipped, modern fitness centers on each campus, as well as the racquetball court in the Caves Sports and Wellness Center at the Owings Mills Campus.
Special Frequent Buyer Card - good at the Rockland Marketplace; purchase six meals and get the seventh free!
20 percent off special every month at the University Store with use of their Alumni ID card.
Subscription to Ventures where you can read all about your classmates in the Class Notes.
Alumni e-newsletters to keep you informed of upcoming events and ways to get involved.
Exclusive invitations to alumni events such as Homecoming + Family Weekend, alumni gatherings, on-campus speakers, and guest lecturers.
Use of the Office of Career Services and professional development for career networking and mentoring opportunities.
But the most important benefit alumni have is the ability to give back! Of course, alumni can give back financially at various established giving levels which benefits current students and programs. Giving back financially ensures that current students receive the same, or better, Stevenson experience as you did as a student. Students cannot have the full Stevenson experience without the funds cultivated by alumni and university advancement.
But, alumni can also give their time! Students love being able to connect and network with alumni at mixers, arts and cultural events, and homecoming! When you become an alumni of Stevenson, consider giving your time and/or money!
For more information about becoming an involved alumni, Allison Humphries, Director of Alumni and Constituent Relations, at 443-334-2063 or ahumphries@stevenson.edu.
