LSU’s Extended Family
Alumni Chapters Allow Alumni to Continue the LSU Experience
After
experiencing LSU with 30,000 other students, one may wonder where they
all go after graduation. The time spent at LSU will definitely create a
family-like relationship with those who share the experience. Seeing someone
miles away from LSU’s campus with an LSU shirt or cap can suddenly
seem like spotting an old friend. But how do LSU graduates connect with
these “old friends?” The LSU Alumni Association’s answer
is alumni chapters. Members call them LSU’s extended family.
More than 110 alumni chapters have been established both nationally and internationally. These chapters are formed in the true spirit of LSU to continue the campus atmosphere, as well as enhance their relationship with the University through support in financial areas and involvement.
Why Join?
Chapters have a variety of aspects to meet the needs of members. For alumni new to the area, chapters provide a great source of networking and support. Looking for job contacts, a place to live, new friends, and maybe even directions around town can be easily solved through joining a chapter.
“
The
chapter provides LSU alumni coming to New York with an initial contact
list,” said Nancy Little, president of the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut
Chapter. “They can get information about jobs, apartments, and navigating
the city. Community building is one of our chapter’s main goals.”
The chapters give members many opportunities to spend time with familiar faces and others with common devotions to LSU. Many chapters have relied on Web sites and e-mails to aid in communication with their members about events scheduled, as well as contacts and chapter and university news. The vast majority of chapters hold an annual crawfish boil. Other popular events include Mardi Gras celebrations, happy hours, and sport viewings. LSU Alumni Association Director of Chapter Programs Jason Ramezan said the center encourages the chapters to host a variety of events to appeal to all members.
“There are definitely those déja vu moments where you are at an event and see someone you remember. That’s amazing since it’s one of 30,000 people you went to college with,” said Karen Brack, member of the San Diego chapter.
“Any alumni function at any of our New York campuses temporarily makes me feel younger and reminds me of the fun and connections I had, and still have, at LSU Baton Rouge,” said New York Alumni Chapter member Ted Voelker.
LSU-Style Service
Oftentimes, chapter events also serve as fundraisers. The San Diego Alumni Chapter’s crawfish boil is open to members, as well as the public. “More than 3,000 people are in attendance,” said Jerome Fournier, president of the chapter. “Lots of people in San Diego have moved from Louisiana. They like the chance to get a taste of ‘home.’”
The chapter’s crawfish boil benefits two scholarships and one professorship. Its goal is to start a second professorship.
The Alumni Association encourages the individual chapters — all of which are classified as non-profit organizations — to sponsor scholarships and professorships. The chapters have proven to be successful at their fund-raising events. The Alumni Association reported that a total of 17 Top 100 Scholarships, three Leadership Scholarships, eight professorships, and 30 chapter scholarships were donated in the past year.
Chapters also serve LSU by participating in events such as high school recruitment days. High schools nationwide are given a contact person in their area from an LSU alumni chapter to provide a source of information in recruiting for LSU.
Extend the LSU Family Tree
Alumni interested in establishing a chapter in their area can begin by expressing their interest to Ramezan at jasonr@lsualumni.org or 225-578-3825. The Alumni Association will then send a survey to their director of alumni in that area. The survey asks alumni several questions to test the interest level of the area. If a good response is received, the Alumni Association will move forward in helping establish a chapter. Ramezan said he has seen quite an interest in new chapters and thinks the success of the football team has contributed to it.
Join
the Family
Joining a chapter has been made simple through the conveniences of technology. Little says most of the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut Chapter’s new members join on their Web site. To see a list of chapters and their contact information, visit the Alumni Association’s Web site and click on the chapter information link, or call Ramezan at 225-578-3825.
Contact Meagan Jemison | LSU
University Relations
Highlights Team
Summer 2005
