Merrimack College - Celebrating Merrimack Marriages

I've posted several previous blog articles about the importance to recognize all alumni.  Giving your alumni their fifteen minutes of fame is a terrific tool to use, and it's one that I think that all alumni associations should include in their alumni online community.  I've talked before about different methods that can be used to do this - from posting pictures with short stories about the alumni, to alumni interviews, to linking to alumni websites, and more.  However, recently I came across Merrimack College's online community, and they're recognizing their alumni in a unique way that I love.

Merrimack College is giving their alumni their fifteen minutes of fame by recognizing those that marry other alums.  What a terrific idea!  They have a web page dedicated to this, and they list the names of their alumni, along with their graduation year, with a short blurb beneath detailing when they were married, how they met, and a little additional information about the couple - such as if they have children, etc.  And, not surprising, most listed fall within a couple years of each other age wise. 

I also like that Merrimack College has created a special event around their married alumni called "Alumni Valentine's Day Celebration."  Visitors can click on a link to see photos snapped at the event.  It looks like a lot of fun!  There's also a link to read a press release about the event, and one for alumni to send their love story in to be posted.   Also, special recognition is given to those marred at the "Collegiate Church of the Christ the Teacher" on campus.  All in all, Merrimack College had done a terrific job in recognizing their alumni in this unique, fun, and romantic web page.

I can't express how important it is to recognize your alumni.  When you do so, you'll find the rewards to be a more connected alumni, higher participation, and greater contributions.