The Alma College “A-Team”… What is it? What do they do? What is the time commitment? How can I get involved?
These are frequently asked questions I hear when I attend alumni events. Quite simply, the “A-Team” is a group of alumni who wish to give back to our alma mater by becoming volunteers in one or more areas of interest. Existing as branches of the Alumni Board, teams are set up by the geographic area in which alumni volunteers live, the same way as Tartan Clubs are grouped. In Michigan, a volunteer may belong to the Metro Detroit, Grand Rapids or the Tip of the Mitt Area A-Team. For volunteers outside of Michigan, these teams are organized by state or large metropolitan areas such as Chicago, Washington, D.C., Colorado or Upstate New York.
“A-Team” members can help the College in three general areas:
- Aid the Admissions Office in the recruitment of prospective student by attending college fairs, on-campus open houses and off-campus receptions; taking part in the Referral Program; or making personal contacts with prospective students.
Work with the Center for Student Development by helping current students with career planning and preparation, which entails visiting the campus to share expertise with students, being a mentor or taking an active role in one of the “Living & Working In….” programs in your area.
Aid the Advancement Office with the general promotion of the College by supporting fundraising projects and connecting with other alumni who may want to become more involved with Alma. Best of all, time commitment is minimal. Members can volunteer once a year or as often as they want.
We have over 500 alumni nationwide who have taken up the banner to become an “A-Team” volunteer. Anyone wishing to be involved can do so by contacting me at the Smith Alumni House at 1-800-291-1312 or via e-mail at eldridge@alma.edu. Again… thank you for staying connected, caring and sharing so much!
Maroon & Cream Forever,
Bob Eldridge ‘71
Alumni Director
