Students at Union are connecting with students from 50 years ago through Union Forward, a 2-year-old alumni program.
Union Forward members are not required to be alumni, and many are friends of the university. They connect with students by funding scholarships and sponsoring school-related activities like GO trips. Teresa Rosson, assistant director of alumni relations, organizes many alumni events.
“We have a scholarship fund that is set up by the classes of the ’60s,” Rosson said. “Every year, part of their class gift goes into that scholarship fund.”
Each 50-year reunion class waits a year after homecoming to present their class gift at the following year’s reunion.
The class of 1963 on their 25th reunion chose to donate the fountain outside the Pennick Academic Complex.
“It was to duplicate the circle concept they had at the old campus,” Rosson said. “If you notice, all along that wall on the fountain there are bricks that have people’s names on them, and those are [donors] from the ’60s.”
Each class is very active in planning their reunions and class gifts.
“Instead of our office contacting people, it’s their classmates contacting each other,” Rosson said.
During homecoming weekend, while students prepare to cheer at the home game, alumni relations will prepare to serve alumni for a weekend of memorable gatherings. During Friday morning chapel, attending alumni will walk across the stage where the University president will present their 50-year reunion medallions. That evening, the country club will host a dinner banquet for the alumni, and a video highlighting their yearbook pictures and class memories will be presented. On Saturday, they will be given a tour of the old campus followed by a tour of the new campus, and some will attend the homecoming game that night.
Union Alumni Relations serves alumni of all ages. Josh Clarke, director of alumni services, is the main contact for Alumni Relations. He oversees fundraising, plans homecoming and oversees the alumni publication, the Unionite.
With more than 25,000 living alumni, one of Clarke’s jobs is to create a family atmosphere to connect alums back to Union with such events as Family Weekend.
Alumni can also enjoy annual gatherings near where they currently live including dinners in locations ranging from Dallas, Texas, to Washington, D.C., to Birmingham, Alabama.
“Our alums want to walk along current students,” Clarke said. “Many have given money to ensure scholarships. When there is that opportunity at homecoming or at a reunion event for your department, don’t be scared to walk up and say, ‘Hi my name is…’”
Clarke said many alumni are excited to tell the story of God’s work in their lives, especially Union’s part of that story.
“[It is important] to see ourselves larger than just this one four-year term,” Clarke said, addressing current students. “You’re a part of a legacy that spans a hundred and ninety-one years.”
