Describes collaborative efforts among the alumni relations departments of three Maine liberal arts colleges. Discusses how the cooperative effort began, unexpected benefits, the give and take of partnerships, and adding partners. A sidebar provides examples of four other cooperative efforts. (EV)

Many small-shop alumni directors with no-frills budgets have found volunteer alumni help worth the organizing efforts. Some creative ways that colleges and universities have found to inspire new interest among the uninvolved are described. (MLW)

The bottom line of a reunion is increased alumni support of all kinds--including monetary. Planning requires the combined efforts of both staff and alumni leaders. A training plan for alumni reunion leaders is described. (MLW)

Tips for publications managers are provided. Suggestions that are time, money, schedule, and labor savers include: force clients to clarify what they want, check the budget first, keep written records, use student labor, etc. (MLW)

Syracuse University's use of a personal computer to keep track of alumni reunion registration is described. They can take reservations over the phone, produce lists of returning alumni according to different categories, give catering current meal counts, keep track of special requests, and write personalized confirmation letters. (MLW)

Describes how MIT, Stanford, and Rensselaer are systematically mining the "knowledge capital" of their graduates to support more than just the efforts of the advancement division and traditional partners such as admissions and career services. They are developing comprehensive programs that help link alumni volunteers with every unit…

The most obvious reason for publishing an alumni directory is to encourage alumni involvement--both with each other and the institution. Concerns in deciding between low-cost and no-cost directory production are highlighted as are steps in producing a directory on campus. (MLW)

A survey of schools, colleges, and universities about how they make their award ceremonies memorable is discussed. The best prizes, the best award categories, and the best awards ceremonies are described. (MLW)

Because many schools, colleges, and universities realize that prevention is the only defense against AIDS at this time, many have launched education programs. Some of the ways public relations directors are working with institutional health officials to promote education and prevention are described. (MLW)

Economic pressure has played a role in most clashes between independent alumni associations and their college administrations. Some pros and cons of independence are provided and some events of the past few years are described. (MLW)

Ways to create and implement a master marketing plan for college campuses are described. The best marketing plans describe both objectives and methods for all appropriate areas within the institution. (MLW)

Through an alumni-led effort called Project Search, Haverford College found 72 percent of its 825 missing graduates. The project has paid off in more than renewed alumni ties, with a 20-fold return in the first 3 years of combined annual and capital fund raising. (MLW)

More and more colleges believe they should live for and with their communities, not just in them. Two ways to help bring about mutual understanding and appreciation are identified: establishing two-way communications with targeted groups and leaders, and building public appreciation through projects that meet community needs. (MLW)

Alumni directors across the nation were surveyed for their ideas on reunion planning and promotion, reunion themes, and reunion activities. Some of these ideas include Emory's creative use of student help, Alfred's reunion bulletins, and Notre Dame's group sports events. (MLW)

The decision to open a University College at Creighton University is discussed. A Task Force on Nontraditional Students was set up to review the possibility of establishing a continuing education program. A list of 18 issues and questions for discussion is provided. (MLW)