Each year alumni pay membership fees to the Aggie Alumni Association; but what exactly is that money used for?

The dues from these memberships fund everything from events to scholarships as well as recruitment for future Aggies, says Deborah Widger, Alumni Association executive director and associate vice president for athletic and alumni outreach.

“We believe alumni recruitment begins on the campus so students are aware of the association before they even graduate,” Widger says. “The money spent on activities and programs are to help involve, inform, and benefit alumni as well as current and future students.”

Each year the Aggie Alumni Association hosts a variety of events including Homecoming, athletic promotions, tailgates and receptions for current alumni members. Events, including potlucks, chile roasts, barbecues and winery tours also are sponsored for different alumni chapters. In addition, Panorama magazine and the distribution of distinguished alumni awards are made possible by the funds.

Membership fees also contribute to future alumni, providing NMSU students with a handful of scholarships. The Association offers two alumni scholarships that cover educational expenses, a Student Leader Scholarship, as well as general education scholarships. An Outstanding Senior Awards dinner banquet is held each spring and fall for graduating seniors and their families in which a senior from each college is presented with an award.

The association hosts two annual graduation fairs: Aggie Welcome Week for incoming freshmen students and a Family Weekend event for parents and their children. The association also helps parents keep in touch with their children with Chill Out Boxes and a Birthday Cake program, which are unique care packages that can be sent to NMSU students.

Each membership fee directly contributes to all of the association’s activities, Widger says, making the effort to connect and reconnect present and future alumni possible.

For membership information visit http://alum.nmsu.edu.