MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!

If you would like to have a voice in policies relating to higher education in Utah, the Alumni Association has just the program for you: Legislative Advocacy.

The role of advocacy volunteers is to encourage state support for funding priorities crucial to the future of the University of Utah. It’s an important role and one that brings great satisfaction.

According to Corinne BS’56 and Earl Wunderli BA’56 JD’59, serving as advocates for the U has been a positive learning experience. “By making the effort to meet our state senator and representative, we’ve learned what they think. They remember us and our cause when acknowledging our short e-mails during legislative sessions. They know we’re interested observers; it’s great fun.”

Your voice, united with others in the U of U community, can have powerful resonance with the Utah State Legislature and its educational policies. Advocates aren’t required to be political experts or lobbyists; all it takes is a bit of time and a strong dose of commitment to raising legislators’ awareness of issues important to higher education in Utah.

By signing up for the Advocacy Program—coordinated by the Alumni Association and Office of Government Affairs—alumni and others who know the University well (students and current and retired faculty and staff) can play an important role in cultivating a successful partnership between the University and the State of Utah. If you would like to get involved in a growing and thriving community of advocates, sign up online at www.alumni.utah.edu/advocacy/, or call the Alumni Association (801-581-6996) or Office of Government Affairs (587-7682).

THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION—MORE THAN MEMORIES
The perception of university alumni associations as party planners and fund-raisers is, in fact, based on reality—but only to a tiny degree. Rather, the majority of their time and energy is spent reaching out to alumni and friends to encourage support of the educational goals and academic aspirations of the institution.

That is certainly true of the U, where the mission of the Alumni Association is “to support the University of Utah’s pursuit of excellence by forging and preserving lifelong relationships with alumni, students, and the community.”

The Association accomplishes this by organizing activities such as Homecoming Week, Founders Day, and alumni chapter events, and by publishing an online newsletter; by awarding $75,000 in student scholarships each year; by providing community service and other volunteer opportunities; by recognizing outstanding individuals from the University and the community; and by offering exclusive benefits to dues-paying members such as discounts on bookstore purchases, athletic and cultural events and much more.

The Association’s ultimate goal? “Linking you with the U.” Look for details about membership and benefits at www.alumni.utah.edu, and stay connected!

HOMECOMING
2005 – OCT. 10-15
Red will reign!

It will be raining pure red during Red Reign, the theme of Homecoming Week 2005, which will take place Oct. 10-15 on the U of U campus. Events will include the traditional Greek house decorating contest, Songfest, a concert and pep rally, golf tournament, Young Alumni 5K Run/Walk/Stroll—an annual event that raises funds for student scholarships—and various reunions. The week culminates in the pre-game barbecue, including “guest performances” by the marching band, cheerleaders and Swoop, followed by football: Utah vs. San Diego State.

Save the dates! Program updates can be found on the Association’s Web site, www.
alumni.utah.edu.

Special thanks to Homecoming 2005 sponsors ARUP Blood Services, University Credit Union, Utah Food Services, and UHEAA.

NEW LEADERSHIP AT THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

The new officers and members of the Alumni Association’s Board of Directors and Emeritus Alumni Board represent a wide variety of experience and expertise, offering good old-fashioned Ute loyalty while providing support for the array of events and activities sponsored by the Association each year.