Alumni Association breaks all-time membership record
The Mississippi State University Alumni Association recently announced that it surpassed its annual membership goal for a fifth consecutive year. Breaking the all-time record for active alumni, 2012 welcomed 43,568 members into the association.
Membership in the MSU Alumni Association is based on financial contributions to the university. A gift or pledge in any amount through the MSU Foundation or Bulldog Club qualifies a person for active membership.
“Our alumni and friends are very loyal and passionate, and year after year they continue to support the university, its students, faculty, staff and programs,” said Dr. Jimmy Abraham, associate vice president for development and alumni and executive director of the Alumni Association.
As the Alumni Association has seen a rise in membership, the university has also celebrated an increase in private support in recent years. Mississippi State has raised more than $60 million in private gifts for the past four consecutive years. In addition, the alumni giving rate experienced an upward trend and rose from 14.7 percent in fiscal year 2009 to 18.1 percent in 2012.
The MSU Alumni Association also grew its total number of chartered chapters in 2012. In February, they welcomed a new chapter in Tuscaloosa, Ala., bringing the total number to 92 groups in the United States, with an additional chapter in South Korea. In 2013, they will welcome two additional chapters in Orlando, Fla., and St. Louis, Mo.
“Active members not only provide critical financial support to MSU, but they also volunteer their time in our many alumni chapters,” continued Abraham. “Our more than 124,000 alumni worldwide are literally Mississippi State’s voice around the world.”
Membership lasts for one year and may be renewed annually with additional financial support. For more information on the MSU Alumni Association, visit the website at www.alumni.msstate.edu or call 662-325-7000.