From right: Wangila Wanyonyi (Chairperson-MUSTAA), Prof. Romanus Odhiambo (VC/Patron MUSTAA), Sophie Mukami (Org. Sec-MUSTAA), Senan Kawira (Sec- MUSTAA), Dr. Peter Ndegwa (Chancellor-MUST), Cornelius Koech (Trustee) Dr. Ibuathu C. Njati (Director CAS)

The Meru University of Science & Technology Alumni Association (MUSTAA) officials had an informative moment with the University Chancellor Dr. Peter Ndegwa the serving CEO Safaricom immediately after the 13th graduation ceremony.
The thrust of the conversation was based on building strong alumni to support University activities. The team noted that building a strong, supportive alumni network is a crucial and strategic goal for the University. This entails moving alumni from passive observers to active participants in building and participating in writing the institution’s success story.
The discussion brought out the following key strategies to cultivate strong alumni support for the University activities:

ENGAGE EARLY ON REGULAR SCHEDULE

Alumni relations begin the moment a student enrolls, not when they graduate. So students must be nurtured to grow and embrace the alumni values through:
 Student-Alumni Events: Integrate current students into alumni events, such as homecoming or guest lecture series.
 Senior Class Engagement: Engage the graduating class early in their final year, making their transition from student to alumnus seamless and celebratory.
 Fostering Campus Pride: Instill a strong sense of campus identity and pride that lasts well beyond graduation day.

CREATING RELATIONSHIPS & FUNDRAISERS

The primary focus should be on creating a mutually beneficial, lifelong relationship, rather than just asking for money. If the only time an alumnus hears from the university is when a donation is requested, loyalty will be low.
• Sharing Success Stories regularly: Regularly communicate the positive impact of alumni involvement (both time and money) to build a sense of pride and reinforce that their contributions matter.
• Offering Tangible Values: Provide alumni with exclusive benefits like access to the university’s career services, library resources, gym facilities, professional development webinars, and continuing education courses.
• Facilitating Mentorship programs: Create structured programs that connect seasoned alumni with current students and recent graduates for career guidance, networking, and job shadowing. This gives alumni a meaningful way to contribute their expertise.
• Providing Diverse and open avenues to Get Involved
• Not all alumni are able or willing to give financially, but they may contribute their time, expertise, or influence.
• Volunteering Opportunities: Offer a range of roles, from event planning and committee membership to serving as a guest lecturer or an admissions ambassador.
• Establishing regional Alumni Chapters: Establish regional or international alumni chapters that host local events and networking mixers, making engagement accessible to geographically dispersed individuals.
• Initiating Industry-Specific Networks: Create groups based on shared professional fields (e.g., engineering alumni, law alumni). These groups can provide highly targeted networking and industry-specific support.

RECOGNIZING AND APPRECIATING ACTIVITY DRIVERS AND CONTRIBUTIONS
A culture of gratitude reinforces positive behavior.
• Awarding and Recognizing success: Publicly acknowledge alumni who have achieved professional success or made significant contributions to the university or their community.
• Timely appreciations: Ensure every contribution—whether it’s a donation, a referral, or volunteer time—receives a prompt and personalized thank-you. Never take anything for granted.
• Alumni Advisory Boards: Give dedicated alumni a formal voice in University planning and decision-making processes.
By implementing these strategies, the University could transform its alumni base from a contact list into a dynamic, engaged, and passionate community that actively supports its activities and future growth.

LEVERAGING ON TECHNOLOGY FOR SEAMLESS COMMUNICATION

Use technology to stay connected and personalize the experience via:
• Managing a dedicated Alumni Portal: Create a user-friendly online hub where alumni can update their information, find classmates, register for events, and access exclusive resources.
• Sharing Targeted Communication: Segment your alumni list by interests, graduation year, location, or major. Send personalized emails about opportunities relevant to them, rather than generic newsletters.
• Constructive utility of Social Media: Maintain active, engaging social media channels (especially on LinkedIn) to share updates, job postings, and alumni spotlights.

Providing Diverse Ways to Get Involved
Not all alumni are able or willing to give financially, but they may contribute their time, expertise, or influence.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Offer a range of roles, from event planning and committee membership to serving as a guest lecturer or an admissions ambassador.
• Geographic Chapters: Establish regional or international alumni chapters that host local events and networking mixers, making engagement accessible to geographically dispersed individuals.
• Industry-Specific Networks: Create groups based on shared professional fields (e.g., engineering alumni, law alumni). These groups can provide highly targeted networking and industry-specific support.
Recognizing and Appreciating Contributions
A culture of gratitude reinforces positive behavior.
• Awards and Recognition: Publicly acknowledge alumni who have achieved professional success or made significant contributions to the university or their community.
• Personalized Thank-You: Ensure every contribution—whether it’s a donation, a referral, or volunteer time—receives a prompt and personalized thank-you.
• Alumni Advisory Boards: Give dedicated alumni a formal voice in university planning and decision-making processes.
By implementing these strategies, the university can transform its alumni base from a contact list into a dynamic, engaged, and passionate community that actively supports its activities and future growth.