Beyond the class reunion:
Transylvania affinity groups boost alumni engagement
by John Friedlein
Over the coming months, the advancement office is launching a new structure for them after supporting several longtime regional alumni chapters, which were dialed back during COVID. Some of the groups have returned with a new energy and volunteer enthusiasm, and the regional alumni ambassadors will work closely with either Natasa Mongiardo ’96 or Olivia Miller ’24 in the alumni office.
These Pioneers and others have been keeping in touch and networking both online and in person at a variety of events, such as when the Nashville alumni recently met for a day at the ballpark.
“Alumni connect on various levels,” said Mongiardo, director of alumni engagement. They’re bonding over things they have in common, other than their grad year like with a traditional class reunion. In such a tight-knit community as Transylvania, students had plenty of opportunities to form deep ties. Alumni will have opportunities to connect over shared identities, careers, geographic location, student activities and current interests.
Some that have been around the longest include regional affinity groups for areas such as central Kentucky, Louisville and Cincinnati-northern Kentucky. Alumni volunteers collaborate with university staff to plan an annual event, while they independently coordinate other get-togethers throughout the year. Smaller groups, like those in Indianapolis and Nashville, will be encouraged to plan their own events, and the advancement office organizes one every other year.
While some groups, like the ones in Louisville and Cincinnati, predate the pandemic, those related to careers, student organizations, pastimes, etc., have launched recently.
Interest-based groups focus on shared hobbies like books, entrepreneurship or health and wellness. These are largely self run, with the alumni office facilitating connections. “We’re looking into some digital platforms to make peer to peer communication easier for alumni,” Mongiardo said.
It’s just another way of getting connected with other Transy alumni and the university.
Natasa Mongiardo ’96
Affinity and interest groups are starting to leverage Alumni Weekend and events like DugiFest (a celebration of professor emeritus Don Dugi) to reconnect, including the William T. Young Scholars, Black Alumni Society, LGBTQ+ group and others.
These groups in turn boost attendance at Alumni Weekend each April as their events draw members to Lexington. (The possibility of reviving an alumni choral concert is even in the works.)
Additionally, the career-based groups create networking opportunities that benefit both alumni and current students by helping the latter make connections before graduating.
And social media amplifies the groups’ impact, with alumni sharing events like a Louisville Zoo outing or ice cream social. “They tag us, and we reshare it,” Mongiardo said.
It’s about giving them “opportunities to stay engaged and connected,” she added.
With these efforts, Transylvania is enhancing an already vibrant alumni network that not only fosters lifelong connections but also strengthens their ties to the university.
Keep up with the alumni community and upcoming events, and follow the alumni
office on Facebook and Instagram for photos and updates.
Contact Mongiardo for more information on how to get involved.
859-233-8213
