Skip to main content

What Does Alumni Mean? The Value of an Alumni Network

Alumni talking to each other at a networking event

The day you receive your diploma is a proud one, marking the culmination of your degree. But, it doesn't signal the end of your relationship with the school or the benefits still available to you. You're now an alum — and alumni are an integral part of a university's community and advocates for your success.

Who's Considered an Alum?

Sara Telfer, senior associate director of alumni engagement at SNHU

It varies from one institution to another.

"How universities define their alumni is a decision made by each institution individually," said Sara Telfer, director of Alumni Engagement at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).

At SNHU, you're an alum if you've earned a credential, according to Telfer. She said that a credential can be a(n):

  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Master's degree
  • Doctoral degree
  • Certificate
JR Ristaino, president emeritus of the SNHU Alumni Board of Directors.

The concept of alumni can extend to other individuals, too, in specific cases.

"Sometimes, alumni communities designate and name loyal supporters who are not graduates as 'honorary alums'," said JR Ristaino '82, president emeritus of the SNHU Alumni Board of Directors. These honorary titles recognize the valuable contributions of non-graduates who have shown dedication to their university.

Understanding the Different Forms of 'Alum'

While the word 'alum' covers all within the community, there are quite a few designations in use also. Here's a breakdown of every form, according to Merriam-Webster:

  • Alumnus - usually a single male graduate; can be a single female graduate, too
  • Alumni - plural male graduates and plural gender-neutral graduates
  • Alumna - single female graduate
  • Alumnae - plural female graduates
  • Alum - single graduate, gender neutral
  • Alums - plural graduates, gender neutral

What is An Alumni Association?

Aarron Dupuis, president of the SNHU Alumni Board of Directors

An alumni association is a community that brings former students together, helping you stay connected with both the university and other alumni.

At SNHU, you automatically become a member as soon as you graduate. Aarron Dupuis '19MBA, president of the SNHU Alumni Board of Directors, said that there are over 250,000 members of the SNHU alumni association.

Being a part of an association can open many doors for you and allow you to reap a lot of different benefits. Not only does it give you the opportunity to stay engaged, but it also provides the chance for you to help others, too.

Find Your Program

Why is a Strong Alumni Network Important?

Gloria J. Lee, vice president of the SNHU Alumni Board of Directors

One of the best parts of being a member of an alumni association is the network that comes with it. An alumni network connects you with a number of professional contacts and other alumni across broad industries and interests.

"The alumni network can be incredibly beneficial to those that leverage it after graduation," said Gloria J. Lee '21MBA, vice president of the SNHU Alumni Board of Directors, noting that it can offer career support and guidance, networking opportunities, charity involvement and more.

Alumni share experiences with others in the network. "They want to see others succeed," said Bryan Bouchard '01 '04MBA, an assistant professor of accounting at SNHU. "I have seen alum come back to campus and recruit students. They know how much their experience has benefited them in their professional career."

Bouchard is also an SNHU alum, having earned his bachelor's in economics and Master of Business Administration (MBA). In addition to teaching at his alma mater, he serves as the chairman for the Easterseals New Hampshire and Vermont Board of Directors.

Whether you're building your brand, creating business connections or getting involved in other organizations, an alumni network is an excellent opportunity for establishing potential long-term, mutually beneficial relationships — and stay connected with others who have experienced earning a degree with your university.

Elizabeth St. Jean, director of people strategic initiatives at SNHU

“I have had the best conversations with alumni that have helped me talk through career moves, life changes and so much more," said Elizabeth St. Jean ’15 '23MBA, director of people strategic initiatives at SNHU. "My connection with alumni has helped me get closer with professional connections with companies I have dreamt of working for as well as helped me plan for future moves financially.”

As you finish your degree, you may start thinking about your next steps. Joining an alumni network can help you connect and build lasting relationships with like-minded people even after graduation.

“I have been given such great opportunities through extracurricular work and job opportunities from alumni that without their support, attaining my higher education would have been very difficult,” St. Jean said.

Beyond making connections, an alumni network can serve as a resource for mentorship and guidance. Experienced alumni can provide insights into navigating career challenges, exploring new opportunities and achieving personal growth. This sense of community and shared experience can be instrumental in helping you reach your goals and grow along your professional journey.

“Knowing that there are so many others who have shared in similar experiences is important," Bouchard said. "It enables me to have an instant connection with others in my field who have gone through the same schooling as me.”


4 quick tips for alumni networking like a pro 👊 #shorts

Why is it Important for Alumni to Give Back?

An essential part of being an alum is finding ways to give back to the university. Many believe that it's financial support for the school or responding to emails, but there is much more behind that. You can play a part what may become a success story for current student or other alums.

Bryan Bouchard, an assistant professor of accounting at SNHU

"There are many ways that an alum can stay engaged," said Bouchard. "Coming to speak to classes, mentoring students, hiring students, offering internships, attending athletic events, etc. There are so many ways that they can be engaged with a university."

As an alum you know first-hand the education and valuable life lessons that can come out of a university experience, and using that knowledge to shape current and future students is important to pass on — and it can benefit your professional growth and development as well.

According to Bouchard, there are many ways that an alumni can be a resource for others, such as:

  • Assisting students in their job or internship searches
  • Conducting mock interviews
  • Hosting presentations
  • Speaking to students about their experiences

“Every student deserves the opportunity to connect, and I believe it is our duty as alumni to support and mentor students to help them be the best they can be at any stage in their learning journey,” St. Jean said.

Terri Grijalva, a member of the SNHU Alumni Board of Directors

Terri Grijalva '19MBA, a member of the SNHU Alumni Board of Directors, noted some additional ways to stay engaged with your university:

  • Participate in fundraising events
  • Work with the alumni office
  • Write professional experience blog posts

"I think a good alumnus is someone who is willing and energized about giving back to the university through its faculty, students and fellow alumni," Grijalva said. "This means looking for unique ways to stay connected."

Being a Good Alum

"The association can only be as good as those members who are involved," said Dupuis. He added that alumni associations should be a place where alumni can come together to give back and become leaders within their local communities.

Dupuis encourages alumni to ensure their contact information is up-to-date with the alumni office so they'll receive updates on the latest event, volunteering and networking opportunities.

Being an alum is a two-way street — there's so much available to you to both give and receive. Alumni participation is critical to building and maintaining a strong community within the university.

Wondering how you can be a good alum and make a positive difference? "Being involved and showing support. That is all it takes," Bouchard said.

Online. On campus. Choose your program from 200+ SNHU degrees that can take you where you want to go.

Alexa Gustavsen ’21 is a content facilitator and writer at Southern New Hampshire University. Based in New Hampshire, she completed her bachelor's in creative writing and English on campus at NH. Currently, she is pursuing her master's in marketing online at the university. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Explore more content like this article

SNHU graduate showing off her diploma during the 2024 SNHU Commencement Weekend

Legacies in the Making: Celebrating SNHU’s Class of 2024 at Commencement

More than 26,000 SNHU graduates, friends and family members took to Manchester, New Hampshire, over the weekend. Three in-person ceremonies were held in honor of the 4,500-plus degree recipients who made the trek to celebrate their transition from college students to college graduates.
A student-athlete playing soccer

What is a Student-Athlete?

A student-athlete's journey involves balancing the demands of academics and athletics. From early morning practices to late-night study sessions, student-athletes learn to juggle rigorous schedules, build lasting friendships and develop resilience that prepares them for life beyond college.
Four members of the SNHU community catching up at the Homecoming Street Fair

SNHU Homecoming 2024 Hits All the Right Notes

This year marked the 12th anniversary of uniting SNHU students, alumni, families, employees and the wider community in a weekend filled with Homecoming events. There were more than 40 ways to celebrate, including place-based and virtual gatherings, on-demand activities and two regional events.

About Southern New Hampshire University

Two students walking in front of Monadnock Hall

SNHU is a nonprofit, accredited university with a mission to make high-quality education more accessible and affordable for everyone.

Founded in 1932, and online since 1995, we’ve helped countless students reach their goals with flexible, career-focused programs. Our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH is home to over 3,000 students, and we serve over 135,000 students online. Visit our about SNHU page to learn more about our mission, accreditations, leadership team, national recognitions and awards.