Ole Miss boasts a vibrant community of alumni across the globe. Integral to sustaining this community’s strength and engagement is the Ole Miss Alumni Association, which plays a pivotal role in connecting alumni and supporting the university’s mission in large part with its alumni club chapters. Central to these efforts is the Association’s Club Leadership Conference, a cornerstone event designed to empower club leaders.
The primary goal of the Club Leadership Conference is to equip club leaders with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively lead their respective clubs and further represent the Ole Miss Alumni Association. By fostering leadership skills, participants are better prepared to drive the mission of the Association forward. This year’s conference, held on Feb. 22 at The Inn at Ole Miss, hosted 22 club leaders, both in person and via Zoom.
“Our club program is vital in maintaining active and engaged alumni communities,” said Brooke Duncan, in-state club coordinator. “This year’s conference was a great way to engage with our club leaders across the country and support them in their efforts to keep our club program thriving.”
Each alumni club chapter operates under a board of directors, comprising elected officers and appointed members. These clubs are encouraged to form committees focusing on key areas such as alumni recruiting, membership growth, young alumni involvement, scholarships, fundraising, community service and more.
During the Club Leadership Conference, leaders delve into a variety of topics critical to the success and sustainability of their clubs. These include updates to the club program, the latest information from the Alumni Association, as well as updated brand guidelines and communication styles. Leaders also explore partnership opportunities with groups such as athletics and various schools and departments.
“This conference provides a platform for leaders to discuss scholarships and brainstorm new ideas,” said Olivia Belew (BS 20), out-of-state club coordinator. “It’s also a great time to address questions from fellow club leaders.”
The clubs host numerous events throughout the year, including watch parties, happy hours, freshmen sendoffs and golf tournaments to raise club scholarship funds. These events are integral to maintaining strong alumni connections and showcasing various programs and achievements.
Currently, the Association boasts 53 active clubs, both in-state and out-of-state. Active OMAA members receive updates and information about club events through multiple channels including emails, mailings, social media and more. To learn more about the Alumni Association’s club program, including a list of clubs across the country, visit olemissalumni.com/clubs.
