Unthinkable Opportunities for Engagement Presented by: Debra Prideaux, Executive Alumni Director Charlene Nichols, Assistant Alumni Director November 20, 2010

Mission To facilitate alumni involvement with the University through communication, activities and support. The Association promotes Fort Hays State University, its students and its graduates and serves that community with integrity and pride.

FHSU……The Association 1916 – $5 dues funded alumni directory 7 Alumni Directors Nita Landrum – Harold Stones – Milford Messer – Ron Pflughoft – Sally Ward – Jan Johansen – Ron Pflughoft – Debra Prideaux Present Friend-Raiser/Record Management History Preserver and Conveyor Governed by Board of Directors Robbins Center 2007

FHSU ALUMNI BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Board of Directors is a 24 member, governing board that sets the policy and direction of the Association in developing life-long relationships between the university and its alumni and friends Executive Council Brenda Herrman ‘00 President Brian DeWitt ’89 Past President Kevin Moeder ‘82 Finance & Operations Chair Cassie Augustine Jones ‘96 Membership & Marketing Chair Josh Biera ‘92 At-Large Member Dennis Spratt ‘71 At-Large Member Chuck Sexson ‘72 Awards & Recognition Chair

Interesting FHSU Alumni Facts (FY ) FHSU – Living Alumnus Worldwide……………………..41,913 Kansas…………………… ,118 Ellis County………………………4,073 United States states Foreign.……………………………73 countries Database Services Total Files………………………. 86,500 Files………………………………..46,087 Addressable Files…………….43,684 Addresses………………26,000+ # of Impressions…………….633,506 Benefits & Services FHSU Magazine/FHSU-TigerTalk Student Recognition Programs Homecoming Weekend State of Kansas Tiger License Tag Graduation/Faculty Brunch Awards & Recognition Program Lewis Field Pioneers, Half-Century Club Engagement # events annually……………… # participants served……………..3,054 # students ……………………………….933 # of Tiger tags…………………………. 459

2010 Alumni Chapter System Establish effective chapter system in Kansas and beyond Unite persons interested in future of Fort Hays State Offer alumni opportunity to participate in chapters Develop supporting body of alumni leaders Welcome new Tiger alumni to your community Serve as ambassadors of Fort Hays State Assist in recruitment of qualified students Serve as career mentors to current FHSU students Promote fellowship amongst chapter members Support University activities and events Serve as University legislative advocates Recognition of outstanding alumni efforts

FHSU Alumni & Friends Kansas Chapters Northwest Kansas – Cheyenne, Rawlins, Decatur, Sherman, Thomas, Sheridan, Wallace, Logan, & Gove Southwest Kansas – Greeley, Wichita, Scott, Lane, Hamilton, Kearny, Finney, & Gray Norvan Harris – Seward, Stanton, Grant, Haskell, Morton, Stevens North Central Kansas – Norton, Phillips, Smith, Jewell, Republic, Washington, Graham, Rooks, Osborne, Mitchell, Cloud & Clay Post Rock – Trego, Ellis, Russell, Ness, Rush & Barton Boothill – Hodgeman, Pawnee, Stafford, Ford, Edwards, Kiowa, Pratt, Clark, Comanche, & Barber Smoky Valley – Lincoln, Ottawa, Dickinson, Geary, Ellsworth, Saline, Morris, Rice, McPherson, Marion, & Chase South Central – Reno, Harvey, Butler, Kingman, Sedgwick, Harper, Sumner, & Cowley Flint Hills – Marshall, Nemaha, Riley, Pottawatomie, & Wabaunsee Capitol – Lyon, Osage, Shawnee, Coffey Southeast Kansas – Greenwood, Elk, Wilson, Woodson, Neosho, Crawford, Chautauqua, Montgomery, Labette, & Cherokee Eastern Kansas – Brown, Doniphan, Jackson, Atchison, Leavenworth, Wyandotte, Johnson, Miami, Anderson, Linn, Allen, & Bourbon

1. Identify leaders and key founding members 2. Select officers a. Chapter council president b. County president c. Vice president d. Secretary e. Communications coordinator (or rep) f. Treasurer g. Young alumni activities coordinator h. Alumni admissions representative i. Community service coordinator (or rep) j. Legislative advocate Launching a Chapter

3. Develop bylaws 4. Coordinate and maintain communication strategy 5. Focus on short-term and long-term goals 6. Determine calendar and events schedule 7. Reach out to all audiences - inclusion vs exclusion 8. Establish traditions and continuity of goals 9. Provide recognition of chapter volunteers 10. Communicate with Alumni Office often Make it fun! Make it meaningful! Make a difference! Launching a Chapter (cont.)

What we can do for you! Database support Membership acquisition & fulfillment services Accounting & financial services Funding support through dues revenues Event participation & support Assistance with mailings & communications Source of ideas/expertise Annual chapter leadership training

Getting the word out about your chapter’s activities

Communications channels are rapidly Evolving We’ve got the tools to help you!

The Basics Printed Invitations  Need 18 weeks notice  When possible, will be sent bulk mail  RSVPs handled by the Alumni Office

The Basics Invitations  Sent through the Alumni provider  Sent at least 2 weeks prior and then again within week of RSVP date  RSVPs handled by the Alumni Office

FHSU Magazine  3 issues per year to paid members (Jan/Feb, May/June, Aug/Sep)  1 issue per year to all addressable alumni and members  Each issue to feature Chapter news The Basics

FHSU-TigerTalk  Monthly e-newsletter  Sent to 26,000+ alumni and friends  Deadline for submission – 15 th of month prior to release The Basics

Chapter Web Page  Communications Coordinator or other designated officer will be given administrator rights  Alumni staff will train chapter designee  Lots of possibilities: slide shows/photo albums, downloadable forms, event updates, and more! Beyond The Basics

Social Media  Alumni staff will create a chapter Facebook page.Facebook  Chapter officers will be given administrator privileges  Other possibilities: LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTubeLinkedInTwitter,YouTube  The sky’s the limit with social media! Beyond The Basics

No Matter What Media Strategy you choose, we’re always here to help! The Bottom Line Debra Prideaux Alumni Director & Govtl Relations Charlene Nichols Asst Alumni Director Lisa Lang Finance & Database Jeani Billinger Office Mgr

You are the future of Fort Hays State Get involved - the ways are endless!