Benefits of Collaborating Presenter: Justine Philyaw GSC 03 Alumni Organization: Alumni Crew Team Alumni Leaders Conference October 22 & 23, 2010

Review of Goal Alumni Crew was started in 2003 by several alums from the Rutgers Camden Campus who had never rowed but wanted to assist the undergraduate crew team. At this time, the new boathouse was being built on the Cooper River and Rutgers Camden had entered into a contract with the County of Camden to become the manager and operator. Alumni Crew represents another collaborative effort between Rutgers Alumni, the County government, alumni relations, and the university. Alumni Leaders Conference October 22 & 23, 2010

Review of Goal On-going goals of the club: Support the undergraduate rowing program Bring alumni from all campuses together for social and athletic purposes Encourage a more diverse group of alumni to become involved in RUAA Alumni Leaders Conference October 22 & 23, 2010

Review of Goal In 2009, Alumni Crew took on a new challenge by hosting the US Rowing Masters National Championship Regatta. By getting involved in this event, we hoped to: Increase the profile of Rutgers in the South Jersey area Celebrate rowing on the Cooper River Raise money for the undergraduate program Compete in a national race Have fun as a team Alumni Leaders Conference October 22 & 23, 2010

History Alumni Crew began with a handful of graduates. We currently have 30 people who row on a regular basis. The team represents multiple Rutgers colleges and campuses as well as ages 23 to 73. Once we had a stable membership, we felt ready to take on the challenge of hosting a regatta. With the guidance of Rutgers University, the Cooper River Rowing Association, the Camden County Board of Freeholders, and the boathouse staff, we tackled the 2009 championship. Alumni Leaders Conference October 22 & 23, 2010

The Approach A Successful Event = A Tremendous Amount of Teamwork RU Camden Alumni Association supplied support for all aspects of the operation from the opening reception to the regatta itself Office of Alumni Relations helped with promoting of the event, communication, staff, and volunteers County of Camden provided facilities and staff and maintained the venue RU Athletic Department also supplied staff, facilities, equipment, and volunteers Alumni Leaders Conference October 22 & 23, 2010

The Approach The Alumni Crew Team served as the liaison between US Rowing and the many other organizations. We also oversaw the daily operations throughout the four day regatta. As the host, our responsibilities included: Having close to 30 volunteers in place each day, all day to help with the actual races Supplying breakfast and lunch for officials and volunteers Providing hospitality services Representing Rutgers University Alumni Leaders Conference October 22 & 23, 2010

Results Our active membership continues to grow -- 3 new rowers this season By hosting the regatta, we have been able to: Donate $6000 to the Rutgers Camden Athletic Department in 2009 Make a 2nd donation to the Rutgers Camden Athletic Department in 2010 Promote the Rutgers identity Alumni Leaders Conference October 22 & 23, 2010

Tips & Lessons Learned Improvements made for the 2010 regatta included: An information tent staffed by the RU Camden Alumni Association A partnership with local businesses to provide discounts for competitors A boat entry by Rutgers Alumni Crew Alumni Leaders Conference October 22 & 23, 2010

Summary Building a strong alumni rowing program begins with building a relationship with the undergraduate team. The Camden County Boathouse is truly the Cooper River Campus of Rutgers University. It is a magnificent building, a world class rowing venue, and a symbol of Rutgers commitment to the community. Rowing is what we do, but Rutgers is what brings us together. Alumni Leaders Conference October 22 & 23, 2010

Thank you! Questions? Contact… Justine Philyaw GSC 03 Alumni Leaders Conference October 22 & 23, 2010