I am interested in starting an Alumni Chapter in my region of Virginia. I've had the worst luck with getting my phone calls returned by the person I've been told on multiple occasions is the right person to handle such interests. Anyone on here that has been a part of an Alumni Chapter formation or that holds a large role in am existing one that can give me some direction? The most I've heard when I called the Alumni Center is that I need to fill out a form. When asked if I could have that emailed to me, I was told the person who has yet to return my calls is the one that would send it.

/\PP ST/\TE GRAD 09 wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 18, 2022 12:07 pm

I am interested in starting an Alumni Chapter in my region of Virginia. I've had the worst luck with getting my phone calls returned by the person I've been told on multiple occasions is the right person to handle such interests. Anyone on here that has been a part of an Alumni Chapter formation or that holds a large role in am existing one that can give me some direction? The most I've heard when I called the Alumni Center is that I need to fill out a form. When asked if I could have that emailed to me, I was told the person who has yet to return my calls is the one that would send it.

What region of Virginia?

/\PP ST/\TE GRAD 09 wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 18, 2022 12:07 pm

I am interested in starting an Alumni Chapter in my region of Virginia. I've had the worst luck with getting my phone calls returned by the person I've been told on multiple occasions is the right person to handle such interests. Anyone on here that has been a part of an Alumni Chapter formation or that holds a large role in am existing one that can give me some direction? The most I've heard when I called the Alumni Center is that I need to fill out a form. When asked if I could have that emailed to me, I was told the person who has yet to return my calls is the one that would send it.

Sent you a PM. Give me your information and I can try and help.

ASU3432Mi wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 18, 2022 12:19 pm

/\PP ST/\TE GRAD 09 wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 18, 2022 12:07 pm

I am interested in starting an Alumni Chapter in my region of Virginia. I've had the worst luck with getting my phone calls returned by the person I've been told on multiple occasions is the right person to handle such interests. Anyone on here that has been a part of an Alumni Chapter formation or that holds a large role in am existing one that can give me some direction? The most I've heard when I called the Alumni Center is that I need to fill out a form. When asked if I could have that emailed to me, I was told the person who has yet to return my calls is the one that would send it.

What region of Virginia?

Northwestern Virginia.

This type thing is just inexcusable.

TractorApp wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 18, 2022 12:33 pm

This type thing is just inexcusable.

It's not the MOST frustrating thing I've ever had to deal with from an App State associated organization, but definitely hope to hear something soon. It's more of an anxiousness due to the excitement of the possibility more than anything. AppSt94 sent me a helpful PM. When I finally get in touch with someone I definitely plan to politely offer my suggestions on ways to make it easier for people who seek similar interest in the future.

I tried getting one started for SW Va. a few years ago. I got so frustrated with the lack of communication that I finally just let it go. I was even on the Alumni Council at the time, but having direct access to the folks in McKinney didn't even help.

I was part of a group that tried to begin an alumni group in Columbia. After a couple of false starts the idea kinda died. Im not sure what happened or if there were issues in Boone.

Finally spoke to the person I needed to (Thank you AppSt94 for the connection) and the conversation went very well. She's going to send me some information, run some alumni demographics for my area, and we're going to link up next month to discuss further.

/\PP ST/\TE GRAD 09 wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 18, 2022 3:59 pm

Finally spoke to the person I needed to (Thank you AppSt94 for the connection) and the conversation went very well. She's going to send me some information, run some alumni demographics for my area, and we're going to link up next month to discuss further.

Happy to help.

I don’t know the behind the scenes issues but the Alumni Office l in charge of the Alumni Council is very disorganized. I’ve been witness to frustrations of members that would not be tolerated in any business setting.

appst89 wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 18, 2022 2:18 pm

I tried getting one started for SW Va. a few years ago. I got so frustrated with the lack of communication that I finally just let it go. I was even on the Alumni Council at the time, but having direct access to the folks in McKinney didn't even help.

That's outrageous! Leadership issue.

The Alumni Office is doing amazing given the skeleton crew the University budget allows. I know first hand they routinely put in 60 hour weeks often 7 days a week at very minimum pay. It is truly amazing the things this staff of 6 pulls off.

I have shared frustration myself with communication in the past. However, I have been impressed with the new leadership and strong collaboration across the University. Are there things that can be better - absolutely. However, There are great things in the works to solidify and elevate Chapters that is very much a step in the right direction. Unfortunately, the effects of 2020 are still being felt.

I appreciate the interest in starting chapters and please do not get discouraged. Stay with it and make your voices and interest be heard. This is how change happens. I was on the front end of rejuvenating our Triangle Chapter ~8 years ago. It wasn’t easy, took a lot of effort. There were discouraging events, but eventually the interest and participation started to grow.

Now the Chapter is strong has a Chapter Board that rotates every year or two and has routine participation across the Triangle.

My observation over the years, starting a chapter is very much a grass roots effort. Right or wrong, it is the harsh reality. It is what the local volunteers make of it and how much effort you are willing to put forth. The Alumni office is there to assist - provide communications & support, however from what I have seen Chapters that ultimately make it is based on local enthusiasm.

Is the hickory branch still active? Looked at the Facebook page and there hasn't been a post in a year.

We need a chapter in SWVA/NE Tennessee.

ASU3432Mi wrote: ↑

Sat Feb 19, 2022 9:38 am

We need a chapter in SWVA/NE Tennessee.

According to the alumni website there is a SWVA chapter. I believe it's based in Roanoke.

appdaze wrote: ↑

Sat Feb 19, 2022 8:47 am

Is the hickory branch still active? Looked at the Facebook page and there hasn't been a post in a year.

I know that as of about a year ago, the Hickory/Catawba area board was looking for some new volunteers to step up and run the Chapter - I know they were struggling to identify folks. The board had been the same for 5+ years and dwindled to where all events were falling on 2 maybe 3 individuals. If you are interested in helping, please reach out to Sarah Garrow in the Alumni Office.

appdaze wrote: ↑

Sat Feb 19, 2022 8:47 am

Is the hickory branch still active? Looked at the Facebook page and there hasn't been a post in a year.

AppDaze, I am interested in getting the Hickory area chapter going again. I’ll reach out to the alumni office this week to see how I can help. You interested in helping also?

ASU85Grad wrote: ↑

Sat Feb 19, 2022 3:57 pm

appdaze wrote: ↑

Sat Feb 19, 2022 8:47 am

Is the hickory branch still active? Looked at the Facebook page and there hasn't been a post in a year.

AppDaze, I am interested in getting the Hickory area chapter going again. I’ll reach out to the alumni office this week to see how I can help. You interested in helping also?

Sent you a pm

/\PP ST/\TE GRAD 09 wrote: ↑

Sat Feb 19, 2022 10:34 am

ASU3432Mi wrote: ↑

Sat Feb 19, 2022 9:38 am

We need a chapter in SWVA/NE Tennessee.

According to the alumni website there is a SWVA chapter. I believe it's based in Roanoke.

It might be called that, but Roanoke is far from SW Va.