After 10 years of research and strategic planning, the Arkansas Alumni Association is expanding its membership to include all graduates of the U of A beginning on the day they receive their degree.

The new philanthropic membership model welcomes all graduates as members and encourages philanthropic support across the U of A campus while maintaining and strengthening its commitment to the Life Membership program.

“My responsibility has been and continues to be building and providing a program that serves all alumni and places the University of Arkansas at the center of what we do. We have worked closely with colleagues and volunteers to prepare the association to be a better service provider for our Razorback Family,” said Brandy Cox, associate vice chancellor and executive director of the Arkansas Alumni Association.

The new membership model will be inclusive of all alumni and friends, be simple to understand and provide an avenue for recognition and stewardship.

New Model

The U of A family extends beyond those who have attended, graduated from or worked for the institution. As the flagship university in the U of A System and a land-grant school for the state of Arkansas, the association recognizes ownership arising from varied connections inside and beyond its borders. The new model includes three tiers that honor all stakeholders who take pride in and love the U of A. The association looks forward to extending membership benefits and connections to these engaged individuals through this inclusive membership model. The membership tiers are:

• Standard Membership: Complimentary base-level membership for all U of A graduates. Only U of A graduates are eligible for this membership level.
• 1871 Membership: Membership level for alumni, students or friends who make a qualifying gift to most campus areas (excluding Athletics/Razorback Foundation, KUAF, OLLI or Garvin Woodland Gardens). 1871 Membership will be automatically activated for the fiscal year (July 1–June 30) the gift is made. This membership includes two segments.
  • Students and Recent Graduates: Students and graduates of less than six years who make a qualifying gift of $25 or more.
  • Graduates (more than five years), Alumni of 12-plus Hours, and Friends: Graduates, non-graduate alumni (former students with 12 hours or more of U of A class credits), faculty, staff and friends who make a qualifying gift of $50 or more.
• Life Membership: Level activated through a one-time membership payment of $1,000 or more that locks in premium benefits and lasting impact for life (discounts and payment plans are available).

The full suite of membership tiers, including the 1871 level, will be available beginning July 1. Life Membership is available now.

A special $500 discount on life membership for U of A faculty and staff is available through Sept. 15. Visit join.arkansasalumni.org/25LFAST to take advantage of the discount.

SAME MISSION

The association will continue to promote fellowship and loyalty among alumni and friends, provide a continuous flow of information on the progress and needs of the university and encourage united support for the university’s advancement. Additionally, the Life Membership programs will remain the cornerstone of the association’s mission to connect and serve the U of A family.

Regina Hopper, president of the Arkansas Alumni Association National Board of Directors, said, “The Arkansas Alumni Association's new membership plan recognizes our incredibly committed alumni by fostering a culture of philanthropy that unites students, alumni and friends in support of the University of Arkansas. This approach sustains our cherished Life Membership program, fosters meaningful engagement, enhances allegiance and support for the university and ensures that every contribution of time, treasure and talent is acknowledged and celebrated.” 

GREATER IMPACT

While building for the future, the association continues to support ongoing programming and broaden its reach. The association is expanding its footprint by implementing alumni communities nationwide and coordinating with the National Office of Philanthropy.

As a critical partner in the Division of Advancement, the association is stepping forward as the face and front porch of the division. The association has communicated and refocused efforts away from annual membership transactions over the past year. The new model is a strategic step toward creating a vibrant and thriving organization that meets the needs of both current and future alumni. The new model enables the association to optimize resources, cultivate meaningful outreach and connections for all alumni and nurture a culture of philanthropy.

"The new membership model is an exciting and transformative advancement for the Arkansas Alumni Association and the University of Arkansas. Under the excellent leadership of the National Board of Directors of the Arkansas Alumni Association, which was founded in 1878, the organization will continue its impressive history of serving and connecting its members wherever they live and work. The new membership model makes the organization stronger and better positioned to advance the institution's 150 Forward Strategic Plan," Vice Chancellor of Advancement Scott Varady said.

The funding of this new model was made possible through the diligence and determination of association volunteers and staff members. The association extends its gratitude to its board of directors, life and annual members and donors throughout the years whose leadership has made this opportunity possible through strategic investment and generous support. The Arkansas Alumni Association proudly serves 180,000 alumni worldwide, including more than 91,000 graduates living and working in Arkansas, and continues to provide programming to these alumni across the country, as well as supporting over 600 students on campus annually by awarding approximately $1.3 million in scholarships.

About the Arkansas Alumni Association: The Arkansas Alumni Association Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that seeks to connect alumni, friends and students to the University of Arkansas. The association's mission is to connect and serve the University of Arkansas family.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.