Conducting events for the athletics alumni community can be a great way to engage former student-athletes, foster a sense of camaraderie, and strengthen their connection with their alma mater. Here are some event ideas tailored to athletics alumni:
- Alumni Attendance at sports events: Invite alumni to current sporting events to cheer on the team. As part of the event, you can provide an opportunity for continued engagement that is specifically interesting to the group with a special seating area or pre-/post-game event for the alumni possibly with current athletes.
- Alumni Games: Organize friendly games or competitions where former athletes can reunite and showcase their skills. Alumni can participate in various sports, such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, or track and field, depending on the university’s facilities.
- Reunion Weekends: Organize specific weekends dedicated to athletics alumni reunions. Combine events like tailgating, campus tours, and attending games to create a memorable experience.
- Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: Host an annual or biennial Hall of Fame induction ceremony to honor outstanding athletics alumni. Recognize their achievements and contributions to the university’s sports legacy.
- Athletics Awards Banquet: Host an awards banquet to celebrate achievements of current student-athletes and recognize outstanding alumni. This event can be an excellent opportunity for networking and mentoring.
- Alumni vs. Current Athletes Showdown: Set up a friendly competition between current student-athletes and athletics alumni. This event can be a fun way for alumni to reconnect with their former teams and share their experiences.
- Career Networking Events: Arrange networking events where athletics alumni can interact with current student-athletes and offer career advice, mentorship, and potential job opportunities.
- Charity Sports Events: Organize charity sports events, such as fun runs, charity basketball games, or golf tournaments. Alumni can come together to raise funds for a specific cause or charity.
- Alumni Sports Speaker Series: Invite notable athletics alumni to give motivational speeches or share their success stories with current student-athletes. This can inspire and motivate the next generation of athletes.
Remember to tailor the events to suit the interests and preferences of the athletics alumni community. Engaging alumni through these events can strengthen their bond with the university, encourage continued support, and create a lasting impact on the athletics program.
Read more articles in the Athletics Community Transformations Series at AlmaShines or the Impactrics Resources area.
