Volunteers help support Rensselaer in myriad ways. More than 2,000 volunteers were listed in December's '99-'00 Salute to Involvement, and that number continues to grow. The volunteer relations program provides a comprehensive approach to identifying and placing alumni who wish to volunteer for Rensselaer. Since last fall, nearly 400 alumni have contacted the Office of Alumni Relations to become more involved. These potential volunteers have been referred to local chapters, and departments and schools across campus with very positive results.
Alumni involvement varies greatly.
It will also help educate the mentors, who return to their corporations with a better idea of what we are teaching our students and what Rensselaer can offer their companies. More than 200 people attended a reception for current legacy students, their families, and legacy alumni held Nov. 4 during Family Weekend at the Heffner Alumni House. Alumni from across the country come to meet and welcome graduating students who are relocating to their area. Alumni provide important information about living and working in their area. The alumni office has introduced Web discussion boards, where alumni can meet and talk with others in the same class, professional interest area, or chapter, and get advice from alumni experts in featured subject areas.