Early Bird

Tips for staying connected to graduating Roadrunners

The Alumni Relations team offers advice for ongoing student and alumni engagement in an increasingly virtual landscape.

By Lynne Winter ’17

May 19, 2020

The Metropolitan State University of Denver Alumni Association wants Roadrunners to feel that they can always return to the nest. For some alumni, however, graduation marks the last contact they have with the University. By ensuring that students and alumni experience the best that MSU Denver has to offer every time they connect with their Roadrunner family, we build strong connections to keep graduates invested long after their last class ends.

The Alumni Relations team works hard to support the personal and professional growth of alumni living across the city, state, country and globe. Check out tips your department can implement to ensure that students and alumni are always proud to Run With Us!

1. It starts with students

Make sure students know they are valued members of the Roadrunner family and campus community. Encourage them to apply for jobs in your department and to take advantage of free services such as the Writing Center and the Alumni Advisor Network.   

2. Celebrate graduation

Recognizing graduates’ achievements can yield a significant reward for former students and lifelong engagement with your department. Create opportunities for students, faculty and staff to connect and celebrate this milestone. Host a virtual ceremony or happy hour; send outgoing students an MSU Denver-branded graduation gift; have meaningful conversations and discuss their plans; explain how they can – and why they should – stay in touch with the department.

3. Stay connected

Touch base with graduates periodically. Department outreach is critical to facilitating the Alumni Association’s goal of keeping alumni engaged.

4. Develop an alumni e-newsletter

The Alumni Association can help your department develop an alumni newsletter to keep Roadrunners in the loop. Share student and alumni news, upcoming events and reminders of the career-support and lifelong-learning benefits alumni can access.

5. Encourage alumni to volunteer

Alumni can assist with student recruitment as MSU Denver Admissions Ambassadors or by helping fellow Roadrunners achieve their professional goals as members of the MSU Denver Advisor Network.

6. Ask alumni to join an Alumni Affinity Group or the Roadrunners Networking Group.

7. Invite alumni to join classes virtually to share their expertise with students.

For additional suggestions on keeping alumni engaged or to share your ideas, contact Brandi Rideout, director, Alumni Relations.