Since the days of United College, the University of Winnipeg’s student body has grown. But inspite of the increasing number of graduates, interest in the University of Winnipeg Alumni Association has weakened.

Attendance at alumni events such as Homecoming and participation in the Alumni Council, the association’s organizational body, has been steadily falling.

“We have lots of alumni, but they are not here actively participating,” said Vassan Aruljothi, spokesperson for the Alumni Council.

Council president Del Sexsmith said involvement in the association should be better, given that each year for the past 10 years the university has graduated between 700 and 1,000 students.

“It is not as strong as it should be,” he said.

While being an alumni comes with benefits, including free library access and discounts at the university’s bookstore, some feel there are not strong enough incentives for graduates to stay involved.

“The Alumni Association hasn’t provided me with a compelling reason to reconnect with the university,” said Paul Hunt, a class of ‘74 U of W alumnus.

The Alumni Council is trying to make alumni more visible on campus as a way of recruiting future graduates. Sexsmith said they are creating more volunteer opportunities for alumni on campus and in the surrounding community. As well, a mentorship program, which pairs alumni in the workforce with students looking to enter that field upon graduation, has been successful at bringing alumni to the university and engaging them with current students.

“The current students have the understanding and desire to move alumni forward,” he said. “I really hope for the future that they seize the day.”

Hunt said for students to want to keep a connection to the university there has to be something in it for them.

“What should be emphasized is that there is personal gain to be made,” he said.

Aruljothi said that developing a network of contacts among former classmates is one of the greatest benefits of being active in the association. He said connections could be made that could open opportunities for employment or travel.

Published in Volume 64, Number 11 of The Uniter (November 12, 2009)