Portland State Magazine Winter 2013

26 PORTLAND STATE MAGAZINE WINTER 2013 IT’S THE SEAL OF APPROVAL when alumni recommend their alma mater to family and friends, says Tom Bull, Alumni Association executive director. The endorsement came from 75 percent of the alumni who completed an online survey in October. “That’s really heartening,” says Bull, adding, “We want to know what we are doing right and what we need to improve upon, especially in our efforts to keep in touch with alumni.” Portland State graduates gave other high marks to the University, as well, including 62 percent of the survey participants who agreed with the statement, “I owe a portion of my career success to PSU.” And 71 percent said that they had a full-time job one year after graduation. However, understanding what alumni want and will support was the most important survey takeaway, says Bull. Findings included: • 60 percent identified email as their favorite way to stay in touch with PSU (update your address at pdx.edu/ alumni/contact) ; • Professional seminars, faculty lectures, and visual and performing arts are top campus activities for survey respondents; and • 62 percent are planning or considering making a gift to PSU in 2013, and their top choice for giving is student scholarships (especially online through pdx.edu/giving ) . NETWORK WHERE YOU L IVE THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION is offering support to graduates interested in starting alumni networks in their area. Network leaders can reach out to alumni, coordinate professional development and social events, and initiate any other activities—from brainstorming to fundraising. PSU alumni Facebook pages are a good way to begin a network and pages are in place for Salem, Seattle, Chicago, Washington D.C., Germany, India, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. To help start a network in your city or country, contact Elicia Reed at 503-725-8209 or   ekreed@pdx.edu . Alumni The Alumni Association is listening