A dedicated space for alumni, UAA’s new Alumni Center

No one knows UAA better than the alumni who have walked the halls and nestled into study nooks across campus. Alumni are always welcome to return to their favorite haunts, but now there's a cool, new home for them-conveniently close to some good Kaladi coffee-where they can come back and experience what's fresh and new at their alma mater.

The Alumni Center at UAA opened its doors this morning with fanfare, breakfast treats and a few words from Chancellor Tom Case and Assistant Vice Chancellor for Alumni Relations Rachel Morse.

"This is a beautiful home for alumni where we hope you'll come visit us," said Morse. "Beyond this great space, though, what we're excited to offer you is a dedicated staff of Alumni Relations professionals and a dynamic Alumni Association board who are all committed to helping you connect with each other and with the vibrant student community."

Situated near the UAA/APU Consortium Library main entrance, between the arc gallery and Kaladi Brothers Coffee, the Alumni Center is home to Alumni Relations staffers and headquarters for the growing UAA Alumni Association, which will add another seven chapters this month. A glassed-in conference room will give passers-by a sneak peek at alumni engagement on campus when the alumni association board meets or when alums from Alaska business and industry host office hours to talk with current students about opportunities to succeed in their fields.

"We also want to make this a hub for departments and colleges looking to forge and renew relationships with their alumni," said Morse.

The university repurposed the Alumni Center real estate from an alcove of little-used lockers and pay phones to create the dedicated space for alumni to connect with each other and with the student community. Construction began in November and completed just in time for Alumni Relations staffers to move in on Monday and host today's grand opening.

If you've been looking for a good excuse to come back to campus, a visit to the new Alumni Center might be just the thing. If it's been awhile since your last visit, friendly staffers can talk to you about ways to reconnect and give you the inside scoop on what's happening on campus.

The center, said Morse, is already doing its job. Since construction began in November, Morse has been scheduling alumni meetings at the campus Kaladi Brothers next door. Those who saw the space in progress have been enthusiastic about its location in the heart of the lively campus community and how that will translate to strengthened alumni relations.

"One of the great things about working on campus is the energy students bring and the excitement young people figuring out their lives have," said Morse. "That excitement goes by our door all day, every day. Who wouldn't want to hang out here?"

To learn more, call or email your Alumni Relations staff:

Want to start or join an alumni chapter? Or do you just have a general inquiry about Alumni Relations? Get in touch with Nona Gunn at (907) 786-1941 or nona.gunn@uaa.alaska.edu.

Interested in upcoming alumni events and day-to-day happenings at the new Alumni Center? Let Jennifer Wisel steer you in the right direction: (907) 786-1701 or jawisel@uaa.alaska.edu.

For conversations about strengthening UAA's alumni network, talk to Rachel Morse at (907) 786-1278 or rlmorse@uaa.alaska.edu.

Written by Jamie Gonzales, UAA Office of University Advancement.