EXPANDING MEMBERSHIP

Alumni Association now welcoming all Pirates, no longer charging membership fee

Published Jul 03, 2018 by
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In order to better connect and engage with alumni, the East Carolina University Alumni Association is transitioning from its current transactional, dues-based membership model to one that includes all Pirate alumni. As of July 1, all living graduates of the university will be considered full members of the alumni association.

“The new model enhances engagement by removing the barriers to participation,” said Heath Bowman, associate vice chancellor for alumni relations. “Being more inclusive makes us a better resource for alumni and a more helpful partner to the university. We are very excited to reconnect as many Pirates to their alma mater as possible.”

Instead of mandatory dues, the association will encourage giving to the ECU Alumni Priority Fund to help preserve ECU history and traditions, support student scholars and to grow the ECU alumni network worldwide.

The organizational structure, function and mission of the alumni association – to inform, involve, and serve members of the ECU family throughout their lifelong relationship with the university – will remain the same. Life and Centennial members who have made a long-term commitment to the university will maintain their special place of distinction as foundational supporters of the ECU Alumni Association.

ECU joins a growing list of institutions that have moved away from dues-based programs, including Ohio State, Virginia Commonwealth University, the University of Central Florida, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey and the University of Illinois.

“Carrying on our mission in an ever-changing world requires us to adapt and change as we continue building a strong base of alumni support here at ECU,” Bowman said. “We are committed to creating a culture of philanthropy, highlighting the impact of our important work, and asking everyone to do what they can to help our cause.”

For more information about the membership transition visit www.piratealumni.com.