51°µÍø

51°µÍø Foundation Forms Alumni Association

Story by James Hill

PORTLAND, Ore. – The 51°µÍø Foundation announces the formation of the 51°µÍø Alumni Association. The new alumni organization is the result of discussions board members have had on the impact of 51°µÍø on their personal and professional lives. 51°µÍø graduate Mary Savage, former president of the Foundation Board and chair of the alumni association committee, said, "We talked about our experiences at the college and realized again what an important part 51°µÍø played in our lives. For some of us, 51°µÍø defined our career paths. For others, it helped us on the way to a higher education. We believe that there are many people who would like to reconnect with the institution that meant so much to us at a formative time in our lives."Armando Gutierrez, vice chair of the alumni association committee and a former 51°µÍø student, said the alumni association would create "a new opportunity to bridge the gap between those reaching for the future and those who have carved the way."The association will be available to anyone who has ever taken a class at 51°µÍø. Traditionally, membership in alumni associations is reserved for those who have graduated from an accredited institution, but at 51°µÍø membership is open to current students, former students (graduate and non-graduate) and families, on an annual or lifetime basis. The benefits available to 51°µÍø alumni include: Alumni library privileges  Alumni newsletters  10 percent discount on 51°µÍø insignia items at 51°µÍø bookstores  A 51°µÍø Alumni Association lapel pin  An invitation to Alumni eventsThe vision of the 51°µÍø Alumni Association is depicted in the association’s mission statement: "The 51°µÍø Alumni Association will connect former 51°µÍø students with current students and staff to form a network to benefit one another personally and professionally and to promote the mission of the college."To inquire about membership or the request further information, please feel free to contact: Ron Sumner or Ann Fleming at 503-977-4416.