Remarks from IU President
Michael McRobbie

June 2008

Dear Colleagues,

One of the unique characteristics of the American system of higher education is philanthropy. Nowhere else in the world is there such selfless and loyal dedication to the alma mater. Indeed, although students graduate from American universities, they never truly leave because they continue a life with the university long after their graduations, and this is a reciprocal relationship with tremendous lifelong benefits on both sides.

This is particularly true at Indiana University where alumni dedication and support make such a dramatic difference. Alumni have literally transformed the face of the university in their support of IU’s fundamental missions of education and research. This support comes in many different forms, including gifts of time, outreach and recruitment efforts, and resources that can be applied across the university. Indiana University’s continuing growth and success depend upon and are greatly enhanced by the success and generosity of our alumni.

At the same time as we recognize the importance of alumni involvement in the life of the university, we must also acknowledge the increasing challenges we face as a 21st-century institution of higher learning. The current educational environment is characterized by fierce competition for the best students and faculty, for federal funding, and for resources in general. This competition will necessarily increase as we move toward an increasingly flat world where education is a global enterprise. In such a competitive environment, alumni support is even more crucial to Indiana University’s success.

The Indiana University Alumni Association Strategic Plan has been designed to build upon the strong relationship between IU alumni and the university in an effort to extend the proud and lasting traditions of academic excellence that have characterized this university for nearly two centuries. It recognizes the strategic role alumni play in the life of the university even as it seeks to heighten that role as we look toward the university’s future.

As with Indiana University’s Information Technology, Life Sciences, and International Strategic Plans, the IUAA Strategic Plan identifies key goals that are based on ambitious yet realistic expectations. It is a bold statement that is grounded in IU’s rich history and looks forward to a future of increasing collaboration, communication, and alumni involvement.

What makes this plan unique is the nature of the Alumni Association itself. The IUAA is fundamentally about people and relationships. This plan aims to strengthen the network of relationships among Indiana University, its students, alumni, and friends. Such an effort includes mobilizing over half-a-million IU graduates spread throughout the globe to serve the university; coordinating the activities of alumni relations offices across the university; and sharing Indiana University’s story with IU alumni and friends. These goals — and many others — also necessarily recognize and celebrate the diversity of IU alumni and their many and varied stories of success.

Many individuals and groups have contributed to the IUAA Strategic Plan, including the IUAA Board of Managers and Executive Council, led by MaryEllen Bishop. I would also like to express my gratitude to Tom Martz, president and CEO of the IUAA. In addition, I would also like to thank the countless staff members who have dedicated their time and energy to creating this farsighted document.

Michael A. McRobbie
President