“The
heart and soul of any university lies with its alumni,” said
Mary Smiley, president of the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
National Alumni Association. “The best thing we can do as alumni
is be involved.”
According to Smiley (BBA 1994, MBA 1996), “A key to having alumni involved is building the communication package between the University and alumni. In previous years we didn’t have the resources to keep in touch with our former students as well as we should have, but we are making contact better now with the mailings we do and the monthly socials here in Corpus Christi.”
“The socials have some of the same people and new people each time. Also, there is a good cross-section of former students who come to the socials. Some are alumni from the 1950s and some are recent graduates.”
In Smiley’s view, three major components of the University are adding to the increase in alumni interest: the Early Childhood Development Center, the improved quality of education and the return of intercollegiate athletics. “We have many teachers in this area who graduated from the University over the years and many of them I have talked to are very interested in the Early Childhood Development Center,” she said. “Everyone I have talked to is interested in the athletic teams we will be fielding.”
She continued, “Also at this time, we are fortunate to have the Friends Campaign portion of the Capital Campaign under way. Support from our friends (non-alumni) has given us the opportunity to make direct contact with alumni. Now is the time for our alumni to step to the plate and recapture the spirit and pride which our first group of alumni (UCC graduates) enjoyed. The enthusiasm and support exhibited by the graduates of the early institutions should set a standard for the rest of us.”
“The alumni have the power to make or break a university. Our support is critical. Whether we contribute to this University financially or through volunteer work, we are ultimately adding to the value of our diplomas.”
Smiley said that the quality of education at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi continues to improve. All in all, the University offers many viable options for South Texas children to obtain a higher education.
“In time more companies and businesses will look at locating here with good jobs because we have the educated people to support them,” she said. “Again, alumni support is critical for the economic well-being of the University and this community.”
“It is also important for us to remember this is not a one-way street. The help the community now receives from this University is astounding. Many of our faculty are helping local schools, organizations and businesses outside the campus. This University is a wonderful resource and investment for our community,” Smiley said.
