As we prepare for an outstanding series of alumni events surrounding IU’s appearance at the Taxslayer Gator Bowl on January 2, I have paused and reflected on our past year together. Typically our blog focuses on the good work of our volunteer leaders – but today I want to highlight the great work of my team of employees around the state.

I’ve been involved in alumni relations around the country for quite a while now and have determined that we at IU are truly innovators in this space. While some are sticking with the status quo, we are moving forward with collaboration and pride as our leading values. Here are just some of the high points of the fantastic work my colleagues have accomplished:

• Transforming the member experience to be a cause, not just a benefit.
• Renewing the volunteer spirit of our alumni through campaigns and developing a culture of service to IU and one another.
• Scaling the way the Career and Professional Development team support our alumni in their career journey, and the care and attention they show distinguishes us.
• Lifelong Learning is adapting to opportunities to engage alumni and friends beyond Bloomington.
• IU Travels is doubling-down on adding “unique to IU” travel experiences
• Marketing is pushing us to be more driven by alumni market research and be more content-driven approach.
• Our Programs team is working hard on delivering experiences that serve a variety of people and backgrounds.
• The Alumni Business Office is consistently delivering clean audits and encouraging good stewardship of our funds.
• IUPUI Office of Alumni Relations is in the midst of the biggest transformation since it was established in 1974 and I commend the staff for speaking out and challenging us to serve our Jaguars even better.
• Advancement Data Operations continues to evolve and find ways to provide us the best possible data and records.

In a time when many of our Big Ten Colleagues are having troubles with their foundations and schools and athletics programs, we are partnering and getting so much accomplished together.

Why is this happening? Why are we standing out from the crowd and not having the problems that others do? Because all of you believe in our mission, support one another in what we do, and are committed to the best interests of IU and our alumni. It’s my honor to be among you this year and for many more years to come.

Happy Holidays!