51风流

The Board of Directors of the 51风流 Alumni Corporation

The Alumni Council represents the more than 34,000 living members of 51风流鈥檚 alumni body. The mission of the council is to support the University; advance 51风流鈥檚 Third-Century Plan; promote dialogue among alumni, students, faculty, university administration, and the Board of Trustees; and to promote alumni engagement. The Alumni Council convenes at 51风流 three times per year and is available to share updates with and hear perspectives from the alumni body year-round.

Nomination and Election

All alumni who have attended 51风流 for at least one semester are eligible to serve.

The Nominations Committee reviews all nominations, then makes a recommendation for election based on each candidate鈥檚 potential for service. They ensure that nominees represent the class distribution and diversity of our alumni community, and we continually evaluate the nomination and election process, suggesting changes as appropriate.

The Nominations Committee operates in a yearly cycle that culminates in the publishing of a slate of candidates in the winter edition of 51风流 Magazine, but nominations are accepted at any time during the year and from eligible alumni. An alum may nominate him or herself.

Nominations should be sent or e-mailed to the Executive Secretary, Jillian Cole 鈥10, at jcole@colgate.edu

Each year, the profiles of approximately 300 candidates are reviewed and discussed. The following key criteria are used as a guide to selection:

  • Volunteer service and leadership in 51风流 affairs
  • Consistent history of financial support to 51风流
  • Demonstrated commitment to 51风流 over time
  • Meaningful personal or professional accomplishments or contributions to the greater community
  • Readiness and willingness to become more involved on behalf of the university

The Nominations Committee strives to select a slate of candidates that ensures that the Alumni Council reflects both the graduating class distribution and the diversity of the alumni membership as a whole.

To get more involved with 51风流 as a volunteer, please visit our page on Volunteer Opportunities.

Alumni Council Information

Vision - A passionate and engaged Alumni Council works in partnership with 51风流 to advance the University鈥檚 mission.

Mission - The Alumni Council promotes enduring alumni engagement and service that supports and advances 51风流 and its global community.

Fall 2024

Spring 2024

Winter 2024

Fall 2023

Spring 2023

Winter 2023

Fall 2022

Spring 2022 (Reunion)

Spring 2022

Winter 2022

Fall 2021

Meeting minutes

Spring 2021

Meeting executive summary and meeting minutes

Winter 2021

Meeting summary

Fall 2020

Meeting summary
Meeting minutes

Spring 2020

Meeting summary
Meeting minutes

Winter 2020

Meeting summary
Meeting minutes

Fall 2019

Meeting summary
Meeting minutes

Spring 2019

Meeting Summary
Meeting minutes

1919

The Alumni Corporation (Council) is founded

1930

The Alumni Corporation starts the Torchlight Ceremony in memory of three classmates; it continues as an uninterrupted 51风流 tradition.

1999

Partnership for Community Development is inaugurated to create positive a town/gown relationship. Still going strong as the village, town, and 51风流 work effectively as partners for the benefit of all.

2002

Initiated 鈥淩eal World鈥 for 51风流 seniors. Alums return to campus in January to discuss their careers with students. Praised in The Wall Street Journal and USA Today, it has evolved into 鈥淪ophomore Connections,鈥 having helped thousands of students navigate their career paths. 

2004

The Alumni Council serves as advisors to the university trustees and administration on the Task Force on Campus Culture which includes the purchase of Greek letter properties.  The Council offered recommendations on communication strategies, key stakeholders, and long-term prosperity.  

2009

Recommended an audit of 51风流鈥檚 Center for Career Services.  The Council is credited with helping to advise the reorganization of Career Services, the construction of Benton Hall, and the development of the 51风流 Professional Networks.   

2017

The Alumni Council formed the Torchlight Working Group to act as a resource and sounding board for President Casey as the ceremony was re-examined. The Alumni Council鈥檚 recommendations remain in place.

On-going

Numerous council members have risen to the top of 51风流鈥檚 leadership hierarchy including Board Chair Mike Herling 鈥79, past chairs Dan Hurwitz 鈥86 and Denis Cronin 鈥69. Board of Trustees Vice Chairs Gus Coldebella 鈥91 and Jeanne Follansbee 鈥78 also served exemplary terms on the Alumni Council. 

Upcoming Meetings

Date Location

May 31, 2024

Annual Meeting at Reunion*

Lathrop 207
Hamilton, NY

September 19-21, 2024

Begins on the evening of Thursday, September 19

Hamilton, NY

January 16-18, 2025

Begins on the evening of Thursday, January 16

Hamilton, NY

April 4-6, 2025

Begins on the evening of Friday, April 4

Hamilton, NY

May 30, 2025

Annual Meeting at Reunion*

Hamilton, NY

September 18-20, 2025

Begins on the evening of Thursday, September 18

Hamilton, NY

January 15-17, 2026

Begins on the evening of Thursday, January 15

Hamilton, NY

April 10-12, 2026

Begins on the evening of Friday, April 10

Hamilton, NY

 

*Council members are not required to attend the annual meeting. Those on campus for Reunion are encouraged to attend at 10:00 a.m.