Creating a Greek Alumni Experience
September 30, 2014
In a recent survey, the Office of Alumni Engagement asked Greek alumni for their opinions about creating a more meaningful alumni experience. The insight these alumni shared with us will be integrated into our growing Greek alumni program. Thank you to all those who participated for taking the time to share your thoughts and ideas with us.
Each chapter had at least one member respond to the survey. The majority of respondents graduated between 2008 and 2013. 139 out of the 149 respondents indicated that they wanted to be more involved as alumni. We were not surprised because as students, these alumni were very active in their Chapman experience. So it makes sense that they now want to take an active part in shaping their alumni experience. If you’d like to get more involved, read on to learn more about opportunities to stay connected.
- Communications
- Most, if not all, chapters communicate with their alumni on a semi-annual basis. But there was not one central vehicle for communicating with the entire Greek alumni community. 91% of alumni respondents felt it was important to receive updates about the Greek community on a consistent basis. In response to the survey, the Office of Alumni Engagement will send a Greek alumni e-newsletter out three times a year (summer, winter and spring) to share updates about the Greek community, chapter highlights, chapter successes (fundraising, Greek Week standings and Skit Night standings) and event invitations. Alumni also expressed interest in reading student and alumni spotlights, which will be included in the new e-newsletter. Keep an eye out for your first Chapman Greek alumni e-newsletter in December.
- Programs and Events
- Alumni love to reminisce about Greek experiences that bonded sisters, brothers, chapters and the Chapman community. It’s always fun to remember the late night practices for Banner and Chant and Skit Night without having to actually relive them. In the survey, a large number of alumni said they would attend alumni events that are in conjunction with student events. In response to the survey, the Office of Alumni Engagement will host alumni mixers after Banner and Chant in the fall and before Skit Night in the spring.
- Chapters milestones are celebrated each year. This year, Delta Gamma and Gamma Phi Beta will both be celebrating their 25th anniversaries while Phi Sigma Sigma welcomes home its alumnae, parents and actives during the Chapman Family Homecoming Celebration (October 10-12). The Office of Alumni Engagement will continue to assist and market these special events to alumni.
- A number of alumni indicated they would be interested in attending an all-Greek exchange off campus. This event could be held at a piano bar, Angels game or a similar venue. The Office of Alumni Engagement is looking at holding an event like this next summer.
- Philanthropy
- Only 38% of alumni respondents were aware of what the Greek Endowment is and what it supports. The Greek Endowment supports programs, services, training and leadership opportunities to the Greek community through Chapman’s Panhellenic and IFC organizations. More education needs to be provided to Greek alumni about the importance of the Greek Endowment and how they can contribute. The Greek Endowment will open more funding to create and support important programs for entire Greek Life community.
In closing, the Office of Alumni Engagement will take action on the recommendations made by our Greek alumni to foster a sense of community through communications and programming. If you are part of the Greek alumni community, we would like you to get involved in building your alumni experience.
Upcoming Involvement Opportunities
- Join the Greek Alumni Committee to help shape the Greek alumni experience for you and your friends. If you are interested, please contact Jessica Price ’11, alumni engagement manager, at pricej@chapman.edu.
- Welcome Home, Phi Sigma Sigma – Celebrate Phi Sigma Sigma! This cocktail reception brings together Phi Sigma Sigma alumnae, active members and their families to share stories and reconnect. Enjoy appetizers and drinks while watching the sunset over Chapman’s beautiful campus on Friday, October 10 from 7 – 10 p.m. Click here for more information and to register.
- Gamma Phi Beta’s 25th Birthday Party will be celebrated on Friday, October 10 from 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. Join the ladies of Gamma Phi Beta, including current student members, alumnae, parents and friends, for a celebration of the 25th birthday of their chapter, Epsilon Nu. Enjoy light appetizers, catch up with old friends and make some new ones at what’s sure to be a fun-filled evening under the crescent moon. Click here for more information and to register.
- Delta Gamma’s 25th Anniversary Brunch will be celebrated on Sunday, October 12 from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Click here for more information and to register.
- Panhellenic Networking Reception for alumnae and other actives will be held Monday, October 13 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. as part of their month for scholarship. Please join students and share your story about how your Greek experiences have helped you navigate the professional world. Appetizers and drinks will be provided. Click here to register.