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Summer 2004 | Vol. 12, No. 2
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| Alumni Affiliation Q&A: Jim Kirkwood, association president |
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Why should graduates stay connected through the UNLV Alumni Association? Those who benefit most from our institution’s growth are its graduates, as the value of a UNLV degree continues to build in stature. UNLV is building a legacy of leadership both here in Nevada and across the nation one graduate at a time. You are essential to our university’s reputation, and it is through you that we leverage our collective strengths. How does my affiliation help UNLV? Our role is to carry the message into our community to help UNLV reach the goal of becoming a Level I research institution. As our alumni mature and achieve success in our industry, business and community arenas, and in political circles, we build crucial support for UNLV, expand our institution’s influence, and enhance economic diversity in our state. This improves the learning environment for all of our students and engages the faculty. It helps to attract and retain the best and the brightest students and professors. What programs does the Alumni Association support? By affiliating with the association, you enable other students to benefit from our scholarship endowment and make possible the extension of important programs and services to our alumni, faculty, and friends. How do I become involved? Join the UNLV Alumni Association today, and, while you’re at it, consider sharing this opportunity with a fellow alumnus, a current UNLV junior or senior student, or corporate associate. Get reacquainted with the deans and faculty from your college. Visit with classes to share experiences and insights with current students. Serve on a committee within your college alumni group, with the UNLV Foundation, or with the Alumni Association. Help recruit high school graduates to UNLV colleges and schools. Use your professional and personal relationships to bring the best and brightest to our institution as students, administrative staff, and faculty. Get a UNLV credit card or proudly display the Rebel license plate on your car. The plate program is a very easy and personal way to exhibit your pride while generating funds for student scholarships. |
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| Last Chance Campaign Under Way as Member Benefits Grow Stronger |
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The registration form has probably been tucked away in the corner of your desk waiting for a stamp. You may have wanted to join the UNLV Alumni Association for forever now, but just haven’t gotten around to it.Well, this is one case in which delaying something you meant to do may work to your advantage. Alumni have a limited opportunity to become members of the UNLV Alumni Association for the current rate of $40 for a one-year individual membership or $80 for a two-year membership. Later this summer, the price for individuals will be raised to $50 so that $10 can go to the scholarship endowment. The fees for other membership levels also will increase to ensure that talented students continue to receive financial support. “This is an important opportunity for those who have never affiliated or who have let their memberships lapse to enjoy some solid savings,” says Fred Albrecht, vice president for university and community relations. “The best offer is the two-year membership rate for $80, which provides you with the opportunity to commit today to enjoy affiliation programs and services at the lowest price possible.” There are a number of direct benefits to membership and reasons to act now. Members enjoy:
“We encourage you to take advantage of this important avenue to remain strategically and socially connected,” Albrecht says. “Thank you for considering how involvement will benefit you, your institution, and the good work of the association.” |
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| Senior Send-Off : Graduation Gear, Free Food, and a Pitch | ||
Those who signed up for association membership received a free T-shirt and were automatically entered into a raffle for a computer donated by Knight Systems. Bottles of wine to open following commencement were given to the first 10 individuals who selected two-year memberships. Partnering in the event, sponsored by alumni relations and the Alumni Association, were UNLV career services; E-Grad, a student loan consolidation company; and MBNA Corp., a credit card company. | ||
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| Career Day Connects Students to Association | ||
The juniors and seniors at this year’s Career Day came looking to jump-start their transition into the professional world. But as a bonus, many discovered how to stay connected to their university and to each other. Alumni relations staff and four volunteers from the Student Alumni Association (SAA) distributed information, collected contact data, and promoted membership at the spring event. In front of an audience of more than 100 prominent area employers, university representatives, and students, the association recognized SAA President Heather Ratigan, a political science major, for her dedicated service. “This young woman is an inspiration,” said Fred Albrecht, vice president for university and community relations, when presenting the award. “She is strong academically and interpersonally, engaged in her university community, and a model of young leadership. It is a pleasure to acknowledge her many contributions to the SAA and her continuation of this bridge from student to alumna membership.” Nearly 300 student leaders have served the SAA since its inception in 1991. They organize two annual community service events: the Candlelighters’ party for children with terminal cancer and a party for the UNLV/CSUN Preschool in the spring. They also communicate the importance of supporting the university through involvement in the UNLV Alumni Association to their fellow students. |
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| About the Association | ||
The UNLV Alumni Association was established in 1967 to provide volunteer leadership, support, and resources to the campus community. To date, the organization has contributed more than $5.9 million to the university for various programs. Joining the association as an alumnus or a friend is an easy and highly effective way of showing support. For information, call 702-895-3621 or visit http://alumni.unlv.edu. |
ALUMNI
NEWS
Jim Kirkwood, ‘83 BSBA Accounting and Finance, is president of the UNLV Alumni Association. A Harrah’s Entertainment Inc. executive for the past 15 years, he currently serves as director of finance for Binion’s Horseshoe. Kirkwood’s professional background includes positions in banking and small business ownership. He and his wife, Pat, have a daughter, Jolyn; a son, Joel, ‘00 BS Health Care Administration; and one grandchild. 