PSU Magazine Fall 1992

( PSU alums are different It's true. PSU alumni, like PSU stu– dents, are different. They're not like the alumni from more traditional univer ities who come back to campus every five or 10 years to reminisce with friends and visit old hangouts. PSU grads are more interested in continuing education, opportunities for network– ing with other alumni professionals, acce s to campus faci lities, and lectures by distinguished professors. All this and more was confirmed in the recent survey conducted by the PSU Alumni Association. The Com– munications Committee of the Alumni Board of Directors sampled a random 10 percent of PSU alumni during June. The four-page survey was designed to assess alumni attitudes about PSU and to determine the kinds of programs alumni seek. Of the 680 alums who returned ques– tionnaires, 74 percent rece ived a bachelor's degree and 34 percent a master's (including some who received more than one degree). The 18 percent response provided a good indication of how alumni feel about the University and what kind of activities would most likely engage them. Overall results of the survey are shown by the charts and graphs on this page. 18 PSU Your degree Not proud 5% How proud are you to be a PSU alumnus/alumna? Activities A number of PSU activities were listed and alumni were asked whether they were likely to participate in them. This graph ranks the percentage of response in either the "likely" or "most likely" categories. Library use Lecture series Discount tickets to PSU events Fine/performing arts event Alumni benefits card privileges Placement services P.E. facility access Activities related to profession Adult education Parking Microcomputer lab access Assisting students Athletic events Insurance Travel Community/university service Last visit 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% This section asked when the alum last vis ited PSU for several type of events. Shown are the percentages who visited within the last year. 0% Academic/professional reasons Athletic event Performing arts event Questions answered Many alumni took the time to write comments on the last page of the sur– vey. Concerns were raised about fund raising, student advising services, rising cost of tuition, and the adverse effects of Measure 5 on the University. Since the survey was anonymous, Pat Squire, director of Alumni Rela– tions, would like to respond in this column to some of the concerns expressed by survey participants. PSU Telefund and fund raising The PSU Telefund is run by the PSU Foundation and the Development 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% Office. PSU students are paid to make the calls to alumni and the program is carefully monitored. Since its incep– tion, the telefund has raised more than $500,000 and increased donor par– ticipation by 360 percent. The dollars go to fund student scholarships, special facu lty program not funded by the University, and other priority needs. The Annual Fund is critical to the health of the University and the telefund program is the base of alumni giving. Comments or questions should be directed to the Annual Fund Office, 725-5034.