The Auburn Alumni Association Board of Directors met Saturday to discuss topics including programs, scholarships, membership and marketing.
The Auburn Alumni Association (AAA) is an organization that works to encourage a close relationship between Auburn alumni and the University.
Debbie Shaw, vice president for alumni affairs and executive director for the AAA, said the board meets several times a year.
"There are a lot of good things going on in the Alumni Association thanks to an excellent and active board of directors," Shaw said.
The meeting started with guest speaker Ainsley Carry, vice president of student affairs. Carry introduced the Global Service Initiative, which would give students the chance to study abroad through two-week programs rather than semester-long trips.
"It's very challenging to (study abroad) an entire semester," Carry said. "Through the Global Service Initiative, we are trying to create additional opportunities for students to have an international experience."
Carry emphasized the need for students to have an educational encounter that transcends the classroom environment.
"We are trying to create out-of-the-classroom learning experiences that prepare students for the next stage of life," Carry said. "We want students to graduate from Auburn and be ready to take on the world."
Carry said the input of alumni is important in creating these new programs.
"Alumni can help us make those connections and participate in those experiences," Carry said.
Along with engaging students and alumni with the University through its programs, the AAA aids students by awarding scholarships.
B.T. Roberts of the Scholarship Development Committee said the number of scholarships awarded this past year is at an all-time high.
"The Alumni Association has already awarded 70 scholarships this year," Roberts said. "Even in these tough economic times, we're still moving forward with our scholarships."
Student Alumni Association President Matthew Cox also spoke at Saturday's meeting about increasing membership. The Student Alumni Association (SAA), the student chapter of the AAA, links Auburn students with Auburn alumni.
"We are in the process of rebuilding our membership base," Cox said. "Our goal for Camp War Eagle recruitment is 2,000 members, and we think we will definitely meet this goal."
Cox said of the 7,000 SAA members last year, 780 converted to AAA members.
Alumni Association board members also addressed advancing its membership.
Charlie Horton of the Membership Development Committee said the board is looking to promote lifetime memberships by allowing students to have paid for them by the time they graduate.
"We're hoping to encourage activities that will keep these members active," Horton said.
In addition to making it easier for Auburn students and alumni to stay and become members, the AAA is employing new marketing strategies to support the organization.
"We're launching a new alumni line in Tiger Rags," said Skip Ryan, Marketing and Communications Committee member. "Hopefully, as it gets worn and spread around, there might be some residual effects as an association."
The board also stressed the importance of social media in reaching out to members and potential members.
"(Social media) is exciting," Ryan said. "It's growing by leaps and bounds."
The AAA uses social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter and Auburn Magazine. Auburn Magazine is distributed to paying Alumni Association members and friends.
"Our magazine has been recognized on a national level, a state level and a regional level," Shaw said.
Among other benefits such as Auburn Magazine, Communications Manager of Alumni Affairs Betsy Robertson said membership in the AAA keeps alumni in touch with each other and the Auburn community.
"It's a great way to keep connected with your classmates and set the course for direction of the association in the future," Robertson said.
For more information on membership opportunities, visit www.aualum.org.
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