Mission Statement & History

MISSION STATEMENT

We are an independent organization which cultivates lifelong relationships with current and future alumni. As a committed partner and supporter of the University, we strive to promote pride in and recognition of Wright State University and its graduates.

HISTORY

In January 1971 the Wright State University Alumni Association was founded. The Constitution stated that the purpose of the Association was to foster a fellowship of individuals who share a common institutional interest and to develop a sound collegiate heritage by coordinating activities and services which contribute to the academic, cultural, and physical growth of Wright State University.

That purpose has been realized in a number of ways during the past few decades. Today Wright State University has awarded over 74,000 degrees to alumni who have benefited in many ways from the Alumni Association. Since 1994, the Alumni Association Legacy Scholarship program has been providing tuition assistance to students pursuing their WSU degrees. These scholarships are intended especially for the family of Alumni Association members, continuing the growth of both our family and institutional heritage.

Alumni monetary contributions also support academic programs and co curricular programs. Currently, the WSU Alumni Association is recognized as a member of the Wright State University Foundation’s Frederick A. White Society, reserved for individuals and community partners with cumulative giving of $500,000 and above, named in honor of Wright State’s first employee and acting President from 1972 through 1973. To date, the Association has a cumulative giving total of more than $840,000. In 2005, the WSU Alumni Association was recognized with an Inventing Tomorrow Award in recognition of their 30 years of continuous support and philanthropy to Wright State University.

The Association also provides avenues for non-monetary contributions. The Association is governed by a 21 member Board of Directors. Alumni volunteers also give of their time and talents by participating in a variety of alumni and foundation events and programs. Their assistance is critical in fund raising campaigns and program development. In order to maintain alumni camaraderie, other volunteers work to plan social events that continue to bring alumni together.

As Alumni Association members progress in their professions, they may participate in career mentoring and networking to fellow alumni and current students. The network is supported by as local base of over 30,000 alumni living in the Miami Valley and more than 43,000 in Ohio. The influence of WSU Alumni is extending nationwide as well with significant numbers of alumni living in the District of Columbia, Texas, Florida, Indiana, and Kentucky.

In an effort to enhance the national trend, the Alumni Association is pursuing the development of regional chapters to strengthen the links between the university and alumni living and working outside the Miami Valley. While regional chapters currently exist in Washington D.C. and the Miami Valley, alumni events and programs are held nationwide in cities with significant numbers of Wright State alumni. Thanks to the efforts of a small cohesive group of 1971 alumni, the Alumni Association has grown and continues to grow into an important nationwide support group for the Wright State University community.