01/23/2024

Why the SIU Alumni Association Got Rid of Its Paid Membership Model

Communication and engagement were key to implementation

In 2023, all graduates of Southern Illinois University (SIU) Carbondale, including students who attended SIU for a semester or more, became a part of the SIU Alumni Association. That’s because the organization decided to discontinue its paid-dues membership approach to better serve the needs of the community.

According to Molly Hudgins, executive director of the SIU Alumni Association, the decision was a long time coming. The association’s goal is to become a bigger part of students’ lives during their time on campus, so they understand the benefits of the association once they graduate.

"SIU had been in conversation for the last seven to eight years about being more inclusive in our alumni association," she said. "We wanted to engage with all alumni, rather than limit it to only people who could pay for membership. So, we needed to broaden who could reap the benefits of the alumni association."

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