UL Lafayette Alumni Association announces new strategic plan

The UL Lafayette Alumni Association has developed a comprehensive strategic plan to guide how the organization engages alumni and strengthens their connection to several key areas. 

According to Amy Armstrong, associate vice president for alumni engagement and chief executive officer of the UL Lafayette Alumni Association, the plan was developed with the association board after months of meetings and discussions with alumni and key stakeholders.

“We are thankful for alumni eager to engage with the University on all levels. They want to do anything they can to further the mission of UL Lafayette,” Armstrong said. “The strategic plan will help us to identify the most impactful ways they can do so.”

The plan consists of four pillars:

• Connecting alumni to the University: strengthening campus relationships through promoting and preserving University traditions and encouraging alumni support
• Connecting alumni to the community: promoting the positive impact of the University and its unique culture, both in Acadiana and in other communities in which alumni live
• Connecting alumni to each other: fostering alumni engagement through communication, promoting accomplishments and encouraging participation
• Connecting alumni to students: contributing to the undergraduate experience by supporting graduates and modeling effective alumni engagement

Each pillar outlines ways to strengthen alumni’s connections in the respective areas. The pillars will also guide the ways in which the Alumni Association creates opportunities for engagement, specifically through programming and new initiatives.

For UL Lafayette Alumni Association Board President Chris Richard, the strategic plan is not only a document to guide engagement efforts but also a roadmap to guide how alumni can participate while enhancing their experiences.

“Engagement makes the University stronger by having alumni contributing their time and resources,” Richard said. “A stronger, engaged alumni build pride in the community and provides support in important legislative issues affecting the future of UL Lafayette.”

In the coming weeks, Armstrong and the board will share the complete plan with the public and visit with alumni clubs and chapters and other stakeholders to discuss the plan and share ideas for engagement.

Photo Caption: The UL Lafayette Alumni Center, home of the Alumni Association and University Advancement offices. (Photo Credit: Doug Dugas / UL Lafayette)