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HBCU Alumni Associations: 5 Reasons to Reconnect

Members of The DC Metro HBCU Alumni Alliance (DCHBCUAA) pose for a group photo wearing various black college T-shirts in Washington, DC.
The DC Metro HBCU Alumni Alliance, Inc. is a non-profit organization aimed at promoting HBCU Alumni chapters. Photo via DCHBCUAA.
On the surface, it would seem like a natural next step for HBCU graduates to join their alma mater’s alumni association. However, this is not the case and hasn’t been for many years. While studies show that the second most popular re-entry point for alumni wishing to reconnect with their alma mater is through affiliated organizations, the percentage of HBCU alumni that actually joins {pay dues} these associations hovers in the single digits – at roughly five percent.

I find the low percentage to be rather astonishing as HBCU graduates are always boasting of their eternal commitment to the “Yard” or the “Hill,” and these alumni associations offer the greatest opportunities for alumni to continue their relationship with the institution and to forge lifelong relationships with other graduates.

When asked why they don’t join, many respond with, “They never get anything done” or, “It’s all these old folks in there and they’re opposed to new/fresh ideas.” Whereas there may be some truth to these statements, one must remember that if you live long enough, it’s very possible you may be referred to as an “Old Alum.” Something I discovered first-hand as I was recently acknowledged as the senior alumnus at an alumni chapter meeting… not a good feeling.

Initially I thought, “Oooooh, that hurts,” but then I remembered my first few alumni association meetings and how awkward and out-of-place I felt. It took a while to fit in, which is pretty normal for newcomers, but I kept in mind that this is my organization too. I’ve earned the right to be here just like everyone else and my purpose for joining is to foster, advance and support the interests and welfare of the College in accordance with its ideals, principles and traditions.

If you are contemplating joining your alumni association and are questioning what the experience might me like, consider these benefits below:

Benefits of Alumni Associations

  • A way to give back as many associations administer scholarship programs that award funding each year to deserving students regardless of discipline. In many cases, these scholarships have been established by alumni chapters, classes, families or individuals

  • Mentoring opportunities in which you may find a mentor that has expertise in your area of interest; or one can become a mentor to recent graduates. Similar to the brother and sisterhood found within Greek organizations, there is an innate feeling toward being there for one another within alumni associations.

  • Networking possibilities that often lead to professional growth, opportunities and enhanced prosperity. Sometimes it’s not who you know but rather who knows you.

  • Being a part of an organization with a common denominator of advancing and supporting the interests and prosperity of the institution in accordance with its morals, ideologies.

  • Access to group member discounts on auto and home insurance; lower interest rates credit cards in which the issuing banks in many cases will provide additional incentives. These may include cash rebates to the association following the first purchase and/or a percentage of every purchase being given back.

A few things to keep in mind – alumni associations are only as good and effective as the individuals that make-up the membership. In-order for the organization to be beneficial for its members, alumni must be willing to invest their intellectual, social and financial capital.

“Hey HBCU Alumni, We Want You!!! –HBCU Alumni Associations

About the Author

Nelson Bowman IIINelson Bowman III is the executive director of development at Prairie View A&M University. As the chief development officer, he is responsible for managing major gift prospects, donor stewardship initiatives and the University’s internal school-based fundraising program. He is also the co-author of three book – Unearthing Promise and Potential: Our Nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities – A Guide to Fundraising at Historically Black College and University: An All Campus Approach and, Engaging Diverse College Alumni: The Essential Guide to Fundraising. The Morehouse College graduate earned a B.A. in Business Management and earned his Master’s in Community Development from Prairie View A&M. He is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

About Nelson Bowman III

Nelson Bowman III is the managing director - southwest region for UNICEF/USA Fund. He is the former executive director of development at Prairie View A&M University.

Nelson is the co-author of three book - Unearthing Promise and Potential: Our Nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities - A Guide to Fundraising at Historically Black College and University: An All Campus Approach and, Engaging Diverse College Alumni: The Essential Guide to Fundraising.

The Morehouse College graduate earned a B.A. in Business Management and earned his Master’s in Community Development from Prairie View A&M. He is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).