Undergraduate Alumni Association History

At Geneseo, students have the opportunity to speak with alumni who work in their career field, participate in an Externship Program in Washington, D.C., gain valuable networking connections and experience, and serve as a link to alumni, representing what college is like today.

Twenty-five years ago, these opportunities were merely a hope of Vice President for College Advancement, Art Hatton, as he suggested the idea that Geneseo form an association of students which would connect them with alumni.

This idea grew into fruition as Hatton asked Marcia Craner '78, an intern in his office at the time, (now associate vice president for college relations and development at SUNY Binghamton) to take on the special project of creating the organization. Then they faced the formidable task of recruiting members to lead the organization and getting people involved. Both Craner and Hatton approached students who they felt had leadership skills and the Undergraduate Alumni Association (UAA) was formed.

By January 1977, 440 undergrads had paid their $5 per semester dues, understanding that four years of payment would make them members of the Geneseo alumni association for life. As the years progressed, the membership of UAA grew, and its presence developed on campus. In 1984 the slogan "UAA is helping the undergraduates of today in order to promote better alumni relations for tomorrow" was coined to better define UAA's purpose. UAA has since changed its slogan. In the brochure which is mailed to new students, the mission statement now reads: "Members of this diverse and dedicated group of students work together to provide a wide variety of programs and activities which support the development of the College community, and foster the relationship between alumni and students." The early members of UAA found the best way to fulfill their goals was to establish meaningful programs, many of which still exist today.

The past 25 years have marked the growth of UAA as it offered programs to provide students with an education they cannot receive in the classroom. It has also helped to better connect alumni with Geneseo by providing contact with present students. The organization which began as an idea of Art Hatton's has blossomed into the largest organization on campus.After 25 years, UAA continues to bring students and alumni together and to develop future alumni leadership.

**Taken from "Alumni Traditions Begin as Students", by Michelle Carusone '98, UAA Connections, Spring 1997