Dear CAU Alumni,
Welcome to the vibrant and dynamic community of Clark Atlanta University's Alumni Relations and Engagement! I am Lorri L. Saddler, Ed.D., your Vice President for Alumni Relations and Engagement, and I am thrilled to extend a warm welcome to you.
As a proud member of the CAU family, you are an integral part of our rich legacy. Together, we will foster connections, celebrate achievements, and create opportunities for lifelong engagement with your alma mater.
Join us in shaping the future of CAU and making a lasting impact on the world. We look forward to building a stronger, more connected CAU community with you.
Warm regards,
Lorri L. Saddler, Ed.D.
Vice President for Alumni Relations and Engagement
Clark Atlanta University
Alumni demographics are shifting, and the traditional membership model isn’t meeting the diverse needs of our alumni. Younger alumni want more personalized and dynamic interactions with the university.
A May survey of alumni indicated 42% of alumni (roughly 4 in 10) were inactive and felt underserved by the previous model. They’re asking for better communication and more local chapters and activities.
By the year 2075 we estimate 71,000 alums (from 40,000 today). Estimates are based on an incoming class of 1,200 and a 1% mortality rate over the next 50 years.
This transformation aims to address our changing alumni demographics and better connect with our growing global community by meeting the diverse needs of multi-generational alumni with different engagement preferences. A recent survey showed the current model doesn’t meet the needs of alumni today.
Alumni expressed a need for a better and more consistent communication approach from the alumni association and university. Alumni want regular updates and reports on activities and achievements of the university.
Since 1865, Clark Atlanta has adapted to changing times. This shift will help us better meet the needs of future alumni, who seek more flexible, inclusive, and digitally connected communities. A university-run model will create a more engaging alumni program.
The transition from student to active alumni will now be entirely managed by the university, ensuring consistent communication and an enduring connection.
A new university-run alumni relations model will be established with the new CAU Alumni Advisory Council to ensure all voices are heard. This non-governing, non-fiduciary entity has cross-generational, cross-institutional, and cross-university affiliation representation. Members of the council will be appointed for 3-year terms and the body will meet three times per year. Local alumni chapters will still exist and will work directly with the university’s Office of Alumni Relations.
To start a new chapter, 10 active alumni in a geographic area must apply directly with the Office of Alumni Relations. Active is defined by university event participation, engagement at a local level, and giving. And at least four of the 10 should be willing to hold an office like president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. Interested alums can contact Alumni Relations to get started at alumni@cau.edu.
The university is committed to enhancing support services, expanding engagement activities like events and networking, improving communication, and making it easier for alumni to stay connected.
The university will add two new staff to support alumni growth and engagement: constituent relations and program management.
A May survey of alumni indicated 70% are asking for more support in the form of social and cultural events, and well over half want more engagement in the form of alumni reunions and community service.
We’ll host town halls to gather feedback and have events planned in various cities across the country.
In addition to local market activity, we have major on-campus events such as:
To start a new chapter, 10 active alumni in a geographic area must apply directly with the Office of Alumni Relations. Active is defined by university event participation, engagement at a local level, and giving. And at least four of the 10 should be willing to hold an office like president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. Interested alums can contact Alumni Relations to get started at alumni@cau.edu.
A survey in May 2024 showed many alumni are unhappy with current services. They want better communication, more engagement, improved leadership, and a more effective alumni organization. Many support dissolving the current Alumni Association.
Our survey in May showed:
These are all areas the university has extensive experience in and is uniquely equipped to support.
Alumni are encouraged to join the town halls and share their thoughts. They can also contact the Office of Alumni Relations with any concerns or suggestions at alumni@cau.edu.
The university values the contributions of past and present leaders and will recognize their service. We look forward to their future involvement.
The Office of Alumni Relations will be led by Dr. Lorri Saddler in an elevated and expanded position as Vice President and Chief Alumni Engagement Officer.
We’ll be hiring for two new positions to support alumni growth and engagement: constituent relations and program management.
The CAU Alumni Advisory Council is a non-governing, non-fiduciary entity that has cross-generational, cross-institutional, and cross-university affiliation representation. Members are appointed for a 3-year term and the body will meet three times per year.
The transition to the new structure is expected to be rolled out at the end of September and will be implemented over a period of time, likely 3-6 months, with regular updates provided to alumni.
Yes, many universities, such as Lincoln University (Missouri) and North Carolina A&T State University, have separated from their alumni associations for various reasons, including financial and governance issues.
This decision was prompted by a forward focus on alumni engagement, however feedback from the alumni survey informed the direction. We are laying the foundation to serve our alumni better and strengthen their connection to the university for generations to come.
Alumni engagement is essential to sustaining the legacy of Clark Atlanta University and reaffirms the need for innovation in engaging the global alumni network.
As President Dr. George T. French Jr. stated:
“When we ask ourselves about what we can do to ensure that the CAU legacy endures forever, at the top of the list is a strong and highly engaged alumni community,” said Dr. George T. French Jr., president of Clark Atlanta University. “While student enrollment and engagement are vital for growth, being innovative in engaging our alumni is equally important to ensure the long-term stability of our institution. By reinventing our alumni engagement model, we’re ensuring that CAU leads in alumni relations among all institutions and fosters a stronger, more connected global alumni base.”
The May 2024 survey highlighted that 42% of alumni felt inactive or underserved by the current model. This significant insight helped drive the decision to transition to a new, more dynamic alumni relations model that meets the diverse needs of CAU’s growing alumni base.
Influential alumni, such as the Honorable Brenda Cole, First Lady Emeritus, are excited about the direction Clark Atlanta University is heading with this transformation.
“As a proud CAU alum, I’m excited about the direction we are heading,” said Honorable Brenda H. Cole, First Lady Emeritus to CAU. “This new model will help us become a more connected and vibrant community, regardless of where our lives and careers take us.”
Dr. Lorri Saddler has been promoted to the newly created position of Vice President and Chief Alumni Engagement Officer. This expanded role allows her to directly oversee and manage the transition to the new alumni relations model. With her leadership, CAU is poised to offer more personalized, meaningful engagement opportunities for alumni, while ensuring consistent communication and coordination between local chapters and the university.
Yes! Along with the announcement, CAU has provided a visual representation of the growth and expansion of the alumni community, from its early days to today, with projections extending to 2075. This visual shows the university’s long-term commitment to its alumni and highlights how the new alumni relations model will support a global and growing network. Additionally, a photo of Dr. Lorri Saddler in her new role is included to introduce alumni to the leadership driving this change.
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