Alumni (on a) mission
What if your alumni work transformed lives?
Dear Friends,
It's deep in the summer in the Northern Hemisphere. I have had a week to draw breath, reconnect with family and especially with myself, soaking in some Canadian sunshine. This e-newsletter is short and reflective as this month I had the privilege of addressing advancement and alumni professionals in Kansas- in person!- and at University Santo Tomas in the Philippines virtually. What shone through was mission. How our work with alumni is crucial to align with mission.
As The Alumni Way 5th anniversary, I am proud to share that mission was at the heart of publishing this book too. I approached Policy Press that has the clear mission of 'publishing with purpose.' Alison Shaw, retiring CEO of Bristol University Press and Policy Press reflected recently in a blog on the importance of mission.
In her blog post she quote a Bessie A. Stanley essay (misattributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson) including this quote that encapsulates mission and purpose:
To laugh often and much.
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children.
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends.
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others.
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition.
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.
Your challenge this Alumni Friday: How do you know your alumni work is a success? Can some of these measurements be useful to mark simple but meaningful transformation?
Bonus challenge! What's your alumni mission in three words? For The Alumni Way, I could use something like: Alumni journey (re)energized. For now, I send your glorious sunshine and space to reflect!
PLUS anniversaries - Policy Press is celebrating 30 years! - anniversaries are a great excuse to bring alumni together! What's your next great anniversary due for a celebration? Get creative!
Can I re-energize YOUR alumni program? Your alumni team or as a keynote for your next conference. Hit reply and offer me some background or book 15 minutes online here Youcanbookme - bookings for 2027 open now!
Yours with alumni love,
Maria
Photo: Soaring! A few weeks of downtime now before my next e-newsletter - keep posted it will be a BIG ONE! Wichita (and the generous friends of Kansas Independent Colleges Association) certainly brought great energy and mission to my alumni thinking - thank you!
