Staying connected after graduation

As graduating students leave campus this spring, they will have several options available if they desire to stay connected to campus events, services and fellow alumni.

The PSU Alumni Association (PSUAA) is working to ensure that once students finish their degrees, they will be able to maintain a relationship with the university through a variety of programs.

“It’s great to bring alum back to campus to see recent accomplishments and new initiatives,” said Adam Smith, membership marketing coordinator at the Alumni Association.

DiscountsOne way to stay connected to campus is through the PSU Alumni Association Membership Program.

For first-year grads the cost is $10, and membership gives alumni access to events and services throughout campus and Portland. Recent grads enrolled in the program get deals on athletics and fine and performing arts event tickets and a discount on access to the campus recreation facilities in the Peter W. Stott Center.

Off-campus benefits include ticket discounts for places in Portland such as the Oregon Zoo, OMSI and the Oregon Ballet Theatre, not to mention Costco and AAA membership advantages, as well as others.

Getting InvolvedAccording to Smith, the university offers many ways to get the alumni involved with campus events and other graduates. PSUAA offers events to connect recent graduates, where young alumni can meet and get to know one another over drinks in some of Portland’s restaurants and taverns.

The most recent event was organized at the Doug Fir, where PSU alumni gathered for drinks, and discussed with PSUAA staff opportunities they would like to see for other types of alumni events. A home buyer’s event spawned from this gathering will offer guidance to alumni planning on purchasing their first homes.

The PSU MagazineThe PSU Magazine is published every term and serves as a way for alumni to keep in touch with the happenings on campus, as well as with what other alumni are working on.

Smith described the PSU Magazine as another way of staying connected with the university. He said that the “Alum Notes” section of the magazine is usually the most popular segment.

“It allows graduates of PSU to let others know of a promotion, marriage or some other event notable of mention,” he said.

On the WebSmith emphasized that the alumni Web site (www.pdx.edu/alumni) is a great resource for keeping in touch with what is happening on campus and that it is constantly being updated. The site allows alumni to update their contact information, post messages to other alumni and view YouTube videos of PSU events.

“Coming back to school offers a valuable perspective than can provide people with a good opportunity to reflect back on their time here,” Smith said.

For information about PSUAA membership benefits or other general questions regarding alumni events, check out the website at www.pdx.edu/alumni.

To view the PSU Magazine online, visit www.pdx.edu/magazine.