Fresh off the celebration of its 40^th Anniversary, McLennan Community College has formed an alumni association to serve as the principal link between the college and its vast network of alumni and friends. After years of believing that an alumni association was not a high priority for MCC, President Dennis Michaelis recognized that the college had come of age for alumni involvement. He launched the Highlander Alumni Association this month.

 

“I've always believed that if you want an alumni directory for MCC, you just have to pick up the McLennan County phone book,” Michaelis said. But, after spending more than a year celebrating the rich history of the college, Michaelis said he realized the potential of providing a venue for career and personal networking between the college and current and former students, faculty, retirees and friends.

 

To accomplish this goal, MCC has established an online alumni social network located at http://alumni.mclennan.edu/ or through a link from the college's main web site. The site enables members to create a profile, join interest groups related to campus organizations or class year, and post messages. A career center enables members to job hunt or seek qualified new hires from the community.

 

As the association grows, it will offer additional benefits including discounts, a newsletter and members-only events.

 

“Our goal is to connect with the thousands of MCC graduates and friends who still live in the Central Texas area, invite them to see how the campus has changed and encourage them to get involved with MCC and their classmates again,” alumni outreach coordinator Kim Patterson said.

 

There is no fee to join the Highlander Alumni Association, and membership is open to degree or certificate holders, former students, continuing education students, employees and retirees, and interested friends of MCC. Members mayjoin an unlimited number of interest groups related to their graduation year, program of study or campus organization.

 

For more information, contact Patterson at 299-8481 or kpatterson@mclennan.edu.