Article Category Archives: Alumni News

Alumni Association Develops Strategic Plan

The Truman Alumni Association’s mission is to foster and strengthen lifelong relationships between its remarkable alumni and friends. In order to achieve this mission, the Association recently adopted a five-year strategic plan. Among the top priorities are elevating diversity, equity and inclusion, defining the value of membership in Truman alumni chapters and using metrics to track progress on key priority areas. In the coming years, this plan will guide leaders and shape the way the Association develops events, communications and opportunities to better fit the needs of alumni and friends.

The strategic plan was designed to create a shared vision around three succinct strategies.

Strategic Priority #1
Connect alumni to each other

The Association will work to create social and professional connections through alumni chapters and clubs as well as less formal groups of alumni, such as former members of campus organizations.


Strategic Priority #2
Connect alumni to the University

For many, the Alumni Office is the primary connection back to campus. The Alumni Association will partner with campus offices to strengthen relationships, support students and foster lifelong learning.


Strategic Priority #3
Connect others to the University

Alumni are Truman’s best ambassadors. The Alumni Association will provide opportunities for alumni to recruit and retain future Bulldogs and to champion Truman spirit around the world.

Over the next five years, these strategies will provide a roadmap for alumni programming and communications to strengthen the connection of alumni to one another and to their alma mater.

Bulldog Forever

Bulldogs are passionate about their alma mater and excited to spread the word. There are plenty of ways to help recruit and support the next generation of Bulldogs.

// Refer a Student

Nobody knows Truman better than our alumni. Do you have family members, friends or neighbors who might be interested in pursuing the Truman experience? You can help recruit them by filling out our Refer-a-Student Form, and our Admissions Office will contact them at truman.edu/alumni-donors/refer-a-student.

// Welcome New Bulldogs to the Family

In 2021, Truman alumni began writing postcards to accepted students, welcoming them to campus and encouraging them for the year ahead. This program is a great way of making a difference in the lives of students as they prepare to come to Truman. All you have to do is submit an interest form, and we’ll contact you with the names and contact information for accepted students. Not entirely sure what you’d write? No worries! We’ll send you samples to help inspire you. Find the interest form at formbuilder.truman.edu/web/form_builder2/form_builder.asp?testid=4249.

// Alumni and Friends Spirit Program

As a tribute to Truman’s long history of teacher education, the University has developed the TruSpirit Program, offering educator alumni the opportunity to showcase their Truman spirit. The dedicated work of our educators truly shapes the coming generations. The TruSpirit Program equips alumni educators with Truman gear to display in their classrooms or offices, as well as information about the University. Request your TruSpirit packet online at formbuilder.truman.edu/web/form_builder2/form_builder.asp?testid=1229.

// Celebrate your Bulldog Forever Family

Truman is more than a university. It becomes family. For many alumni, that’s not just figuratively true. Many families have a proud Truman tradition that includes multiple generations of Bulldogs or several siblings attending and graduating from Truman. The commitment of these Bulldog Forever Families often spans decades and becomes a lasting and important part of Truman’s history. Do you have a Bulldog Forever Family story you’d like to share? We’d love to celebrate your family’s long-standing commitment to Truman.
Share your story and family photos online at truman.edu/bulldogforeverfamily.

Connect // Hometown History Brings Kirksville to You

Even if you aren’t able to make it back to Kirksville, virtual programming is the perfect way to bring Kirksville to you. The Alumni Association recently hosted “Hometown History: A Virtual Tour of Truman and Kirksville Historic Places and Spaces.” Panelists Cole Woodcox, professor emeritus of English, Debi Boughton, retired Kirksville Tourism director, and Joshna Karki, student representative to the Alumni Board, took alumni and friends on a virtual tour of historic landmarks on campus and throughout northeast Missouri. A recording of the event is available online. Check it out, and take your own walk down memory lane and learn more about the history of campus and of Kirksville at facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=568849560780646.

Connect // Alumni Reunion Services

Interested in planning an on-campus reunion? The Office of Advancement is here to help! Reunion Services helps provide resources for hosting on-campus gatherings. From fraternities and sororities to athletic teams or student organizations, this is your chance to reconnect with classmates. Contact the Office of Advancement for assistance securing locations, working with on-campus catering and promoting the event through mass email and online. To begin the process of planning your on-campus reunion, connect with us at truman.edu/alumni-donors/reunion-services.

Connect // Make plans to come back to Kirksville!

Kirksville is an important part of the Truman experience. Countless memories have been made not just on campus but also at Thousand Hills, favorite haunts around the square and throughout the community. One of the best parts about visiting Kirksville is seeing how all your favorite things stayed the same, but also seeing new improvements come to town. Mark your calendar and pack your bags to make a trip back to Kirksville to see for yourself!