Join the University of Minnesota Alumni Association (UMAA)
Most colleges and universities have alumni associations that keep graduates informed through newsletters, engage through events, and connect through networking opportunities. This is a great way to stay in touch with your alma mater, rekindle past relationships, and keep in touch with school spirit! The UMAA serves more than 600,000+ alumnus by creating fun campus events, offering special alumni rewards, career development programs, regional and affinity groups, and hosting reunions.
Stay Engaged On Social Media.
Universities and alumni associations are often very active on their social media platforms, this allows alumni to stay in the loop about what's going on at their alma mater. This could include campus newsletters, discussions about educational politics, or career opportunities. Follow the UMAA on all of their platforms (@umnalumni), and be updated on all current alumni featured events.
Attend Gopher Athletics Events
An entertaining way to stay engaged with the University is to attend your favorite team’s home games. Whether it be football, basketball, or volleyball, it can be fun to don the maroon and gold again to celebrate the incredible student athletes at our school. Sometimes there are alumni specific games where they honor Gopher Athletics alumni! You can also attend tailgates or watch parties in your local area if you cannot get to campus. The UMAA hosts Ski-U-Mania pre games every home football game! This features food trucks, UMN alumni owned liquor, fun tailgate games, family friendly activities, and awesome performances. For away football games, the UMAA also hosts watch party events at bars around the Twin Cities!
Mentor Current Students
Joining the Maroon and Gold network is an easy to use platform that provides critical information to rising students entering the workforce. The Maroon & Gold Network features over 18,600+ University of Minnesota alumni and students. Offer mentoring a student with career advice, take them to coffee to learn more about their aspiring career goals, create a mock interview, etc. The possibilities are endless!
Maroon & Gold Rewards
By joining the UMAA, you are put in a special program called Maroon & Gold rewards. This provides exclusive benefits to alumni. Members enjoy discounts on travel, dining, shopping, and entertainment, as well as access to unique experiences and special university events.
Here are a few examples of brands you can save big:
Blaze Credit Union, UMN Bookstores, MN Alumni Market, Booking.com, Graduate hotel Minneapolis, Northrop dance, Bell Museum, and many more!
By participating in the program, Alumni can stay connected to the University while enjoying perks that help them celebrate their #GoldenGopher pride!
Professional Development
The UMAA provides alumni with a variety of different professions, development resources. This includes career webinars and workshops, networking opportunities, and discounts on consulting services, and continuing education discounts! As stated previously, the Maroon & Gold Network offers alumni an opportunity to make connections with other alumni, and apply to jobs! By participating in these services, alumni can enhance their skills, expand their professional network, and stay competitive in their careers all while staying connected with the UMN.
Support Alumni-Owned Businesses
Shop at the MN Alumni Market which is entirely made up of brands and companies owned by UMN alumni. MN Alumni Market is an initiative produced by the UMAA to help support small UMN business owners. Through the market, alumni can discover unique items and services created by fellow Gophers while supporting the spirit within the UMAA community. It’s a great way to shop locally and strengthen the alumni network at UMN! They also have special deals that all alumni are sent through the membership email! Don’t worry if you’re not a UMAA member yet, anyone can shop at the MN Alumni Market. To stay posted, follow their socials! (@mnalumnimarket).
Follow the Alumni Magazine
The University of Minnesota Alumni Magazine is a quarterly publication that keeps alumni updated on campus news, alumni achievements, and university events. It highlights groundbreaking research, alumni stories, and ways to stay connected, helping graduates remain involved and proud of their Golden Gopher roots.
Alumni Travel Programs
Alumni Travel offers University of Minnesota alumni unique opportunities to explore the world while connecting with fellow Gophers. The program features guided group trips to exciting destinations, providing alumni with enriching cultural experiences, exclusive tours, and the chance to build lasting friendships. It's a fun way to travel, learn, and stay connected to the university community.
No matter where life takes you, UMN will always be part of your journey. Whether you’re mentoring students, cheering on Gopher Athletics, or connecting with fellow alumni, there are so many ways to remain involved. So keep the maroon and gold spirit alive, and remember you’ll always have a home within the Gopher community!
Comments