Libba Andrews is associate director of the Mississippi State University Alumni Association, providing leadership in planning homecomings, reunions and faculty awards. Andrews, a graduate of Mississippi State, also researches and recommends sources of non-dues revenue, assists in identifying new programming opportunities and advises student ambassadors. She earlier worked as the association's business administrator and marketing coordinator. Andrews is chair of CASE District III and can be reached at landrews@alumni.msstate.edu.

What are some of the trends you see shaping how alumni relations offices are reaching out?

Fifty years ago, the graduating class at Mississippi State had 500 members. Today, we have around 3,500 students who graduate each year. The vast majority of our alums are younger and their interests many and diverse. Demands on their time and money are endless. Life is faster and "on demand." Associations have to respond by providing value-added programs and services that enhance their lifestyle. The younger alumni are more readily engaged through social networking communities such as MySpace and Facebook. E-news written for alumni should be tailored to their interests.

Studies show that it is imperative for alumni associations to start early in engaging students. If we can ensure a healthy and strong student experience and provide services while they are on campus, our ability to maintain a strong alumni association is greatly enhanced.

Alumni associations serve many constituents and it is important that programs and services are fresh and relevant. We have to be change agents. The one-size-fits-all approach will cripple us. The use of quick polls and surveys can be invaluable to programming.

Let's look at a traditional alumni program: reunions. At State, the class-year approach worked great years ago when class sizes were smaller, but we're finding that alumni identify through organizations, clubs, a fraternity or sorority. We do offer reunions for the older classes but find ourselves more engaged with organizational reunions. Today's activities and events may be similar, but how they are organized is quite different.

Finally, as the need for additional financial resources continues to grow, many associations are beginning to answer that need by hiring a development officer.

Please talk about some of Mississippi State's most effective alumni programs.

Our alumni chapter program is a hallmark for us. We have more than 85 chapters across the country, and our volunteers work tirelessly to help State reach its potential.

For instance, one of the main focuses of Mississippi State President Robert Foglesong is student recruiting. While the alumni association has always been engaged in recruiting at the grassroots level, we've really stepped up our efforts during the last two years and made it a priority by encouraging our chapters to host send-off parties for incoming freshmen and transfer students. We also invite prospective students. More than one-third of our chapters have hosted one of these events each of the last two years. The president, vice presidents, deans, department heads, faculty, staff and currently enrolled students are attending and speaking at these events to welcome the incoming class of freshmen and transfers. Bulldog pride resonates at these events! Of note, we are expecting our largest freshmen enrollment in Mississippi State's 129-year history. It is inspiring to see the results of so much energy being channeled in the same direction!

We are also proud of our Alumni Fellows Program. In its 18th year, this program recognizes alumni who have distinguished themselves in their respective careers. They are selected by each college and are chosen to return to campus as distinguished guests and as mentors, friends and counselors. This program is a means of enriching the educational experience of Mississippi State University students by exposing them to alumni who are willing to share their specialized academic and work experience from a realistic perspective. The Alumni Fellows Program is an exciting and stimulating way to blend the interests of the accomplished professional, the student and the professor.

What are the most rewarding aspects of your job?

I find great joy in developing relationships with our alumni delegates-students in our student ambassador program. Watching them grow into young adults and seeing them develop their talents and convictions is most gratifying.

I also enjoy being around alumni and listening to their stories about what it was like when they attended State. Finally, I like seeing dreams fulfilled-dreams of students and dreams of alumni.

Please discuss the highlights of your CASE involvement over the years.

A CASE member since 1992, I have served on the CASE District III Board of Directors since 1997. I am honored to be serving as chair of District III and have had the good fortune to have served as chair-elect and district treasurer and to have held various conference and program positions.

One of the top highlights is the opportunity I've been entrusted with to help advance our profession, a profession I consider quite noble. However, without a doubt, the greatest rewards are the lifelong relationships for which I've been blessed. A CASE III colleague and dear friend said it best: "Look left, look right; CASE friends for life."

This article is from the August 2007 issue of BriefCASE.
Please share your questions and comments with Pam Russell via e-mail at russell@case.org or by telephone at +1-202-478-5680.