Campus News

Alumni Association Hits Record Number of Members

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 6, 2011) -- In the early '70s, the University of Kentucky Alumni Association first extended an invitation to alumni, students and friends to join the association. When those invitees took a closer look at their Alumni Association, they found a group of people deeply committed to the betterment of their university through admirable goals and exciting activities.  

They discovered that membership allowed them to remain a part of the fabulous UK legacy while helping to strengthen the university from within. When the university’s reputation is enhanced by promoting and supporting valuable programs, events, awards and scholarships, they found the value of their degree enhanced as well. In addition, they found a myriad of benefits, discounts and services available only to members.

Quite understandably, they began to join, either for the first time or by renewing lapsed membership. They joined first in a trickle…then, in a downpour…now, in a flood.

The UK Alumni Association’s membership is higher than it has ever been, burgeoning with young, energetic alumni just out of school.  In 2001, for example, membership stood at 30,427. Ten years later, that number is 38,438, an increase of more than 26 percent and the largest total in the school’s history.

“We are excited that during the 2010-11 fiscal year, the number of dues-paying members exceeded 38,000 for the first time in history,” said Stan Key, executive director of alumni affairs and director of the UK Alumni Association.  “This is especially important since the funding of association programs and services so heavily depends on membership dues – more than $1,078,000 last year.

“While it’s impossible to pinpoint why the association’s membership has increased 20 of the past 21 years,” he said, “I strongly believe that it is a combination of having passionate and loyal alumni who want to support the university and a dedicated and caring staff who wants to provide quality benefits, programs and services.”    

Melissa Newman has served as associate director for membership at the association for the past eight years and she is responsible for recruiting and retaining members. She also attributes the membership growth to the character of UK alumni, saying, “It’s exciting that we have realized such outstanding growth in a time in which many other dues-based organizations are struggling. Our growth is testament to the loyalty and dedication of our alumni.”

Current board president, Cammie Grant, added, “The University of Kentucky Alumni Association is a vital and relevant part of our university, as evidenced by the strong commitment of our Alumni Association members and staff. This year, we celebrate our 16th consecutive year of membership growth in the Alumni Association!  This achievement is a highly significant reflection of our UK pride and our dedication to the university's mission and goals."

For more information about joining the UK Alumni Association, visit http://www.ukalumni.net/membership.