Sheri, I would agree that it's good to have diversity on your board. I'm not sure how many employers you need on your board. Since your focus is your alumni, I might limit your board to a few employers, a few grads and representatives from your institution's departments that might benefit from alumni contact. June Gudeman

Roszona, So, what would say are the challenges you might face in setting up a website? June Gudeman

Roszona, So, what would be a draft of your mission statement? I'd like you to take a stab at what would give you direction and keep you focused??? June Gudeman

Cesar G , This is a very creative way to engage your political figures and make a statement about your institution. I like it! June Gudeman

Cesar G , I like your thinking on this. Inviting employers certainly adds an additional benefit for your graduates to attend. Hosting the event at your campus gives you an opportunity to show off your upgraded campus and allows your alumni to return to the place where there education took place. They enjoy coming back! June Gudeman

Cesar G , Everyone is looking for ways to document their ROI (Return On Investment) and you've accurately identified some key areas you want to measure. The next challenge will be to determine exactly how to be able to measure the impact of alumni on those areas. June Gudeman

Cesar G , Fantastic! I'm glad to hear you're including those critical members of your staff on your advisory board. June Gudeman

Cesar G , Great thoughts and ideas! I appreciate how you've thought beyond just who to choose for your board, but also determined how to keep them involved. I'm curious if you've considered inviting some of your own staff (representatives of career services or student services, instructors) to be a part of your advisory board? June Gudeman

Shannon, These barriers are very valid. I would agree that probably the biggest issue is time. Our graduates have MANY options of how to fill their already full schedules. As worthy as they may feel an Alumni Association is, they still may not be able to make the time to be involved. June Gudeman

Shannon, Great ideas! I've found that our graduates LOVE coming back and connecting with their former instructors and they are very willing to speak to students or alumni both about their experience as a student and as a professional. The students listen carefully to our graduates when they give advice. June Gudeman