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Affinity Rules, by Elana Andersen

By: Rajinder Dogra  

Alumni Travel

There is something very special about keeping alive the connection with school chums and rekindling the spirit of good times and fond memories of school days. The bonds that are established between the students, now alumni, and their schools are among lifes strongest and lasting relationships. Most learning institutions understand the value of these relationships and how they translate into important financial and other types of contributions which sustain and grow the school’s status and prestige. Alumni associations are an important catalyst enlisting active connection with past students through schoolsponsored activities.

As all graduates know, before the diploma is in your hand, a letter (now email) arrives from the schools alumni association welcoming your membership and active involvement in alumni programs.

Welcome to the USC Alumni Association, your link to the university and close to 200,000 fellow Trojan alumni. The USC Alumni Association is dedicated to helping alumni connect to the university. and to one another, making involvement in USC a lifelong experience for Trojans all over the globe.

Judith Blumenthal MBA 84, PhD.88 Associate Vice President, Alumni Relations.

The focus of an alumni associations work varies from one institution to another and is often reflective of the demeanor of a schools social and academic thrust. This is also seen in the alumni travel programs which are frequently organized in partnership with professional travel companies. We have included several examples of different alumni groups and their approach in defining signature alumni group travel activities.

Keeping the spirit alive

USC (University of Southern California) has an aggressive alumni program which includes over 100 chapters located throughout the world. The association offers its members an array of benefits that include online connection to other grads, career, financial, business services, merchandise, a financial program, insurance, service company discounts, on-campus events and travel. Trojan Travel’s 2006 program features over 40 itineraries, most to foreign destinations, each featuring a unique experience like whitewater rafting, touring by private jet and treasure hunting in South Africa. A university lecturer travels with the groups offering discussions on relevant topics and a connection to the university. USC recognizes the link between alumni and its future generation students by including several family vacations in its travel program. This year introduced its science camp on Catalina Island and, for many years, has offered a summer family camp at Wonder Valley Ranch located near Sequoia National Park. The C atalina program is structured with classroom lessons and outdoor natural science activities, whereas the Wonder Valley Ranch experience includes more than 50 recreational options plus age-specific programs for children age three through 17.

To learn more about USCs alumni program and Trojan Travel adventures visit www.alumni.usc.edu

The University of Florida Alumni Association in Gainesville is another very active organization with over 100 alumni clubs spreading Gator cheer throughout the world. Although the university is recognized for many academic achievements, its Gator Growl is for the schools athletic prowess. The alumni members program includes various benefits with many centered on athletics and securing priority tickets to the annual homecoming rally, home and away football games and other competitions, including Bowl games or other championship competitions. Arrangements for sporting trips are made through Total Sports Travel. Leisure and educational tours are offered to alumni under the banner of Great Gator Escapes. This years program had five trips which were led by a university representative. These included a journey down the Amazon River, an Italian adventure to Tuscany and Cortona, a visit to the Dordogne River valley in France, an Alaska cruise, and whitewater rafting on the Snake River.

This article is sponsored by: www.grouptravelblog.com


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