Admission

Becoming a Southwestern University Recruitment Volunteer (S.U.R.V.) can involve representing Southwestern at a local college fair or participating in Operation: Pen and Paper (a letter-writing campaign to prospective students and their families). This level of commitment varies upon what interests you most.

Want to recommend a high school student to attend Southwestern? By completing our “Refer a Student” form, the prospective student whose information you submit will receive materials from Southwestern’s Office of Admission. 

Career & Professional Development

Today’s and future college students will need assistance in navigating the changing employment landscape with confidence and clarity. It is difficult to determine what jobs will look like in 20 or 30 years due to a rapidly changing workplace. However, those working in the various industries have an idea for what the future holds in the coming decades. For this reason, career readiness is evermore dependent on the insight and perspectives of working professionals. 

Review the list of career-related volunteer roles at Southwestern and let us know about which you would like to learn more . A member of the Southwestern staff will contact you with additional information.

We also encourage you to join PirateConnect  to make connections with other members of the Southwestern community (including other alumni, students, faculty, staff and parents). 

University Events

Southwestern has a variety of special events held throughout the year and sometimes our staff needs help behind the scenes. Volunteering to assist with special events (e.g., Homecoming, Commencement, Shilling Lecture, etc.) can involve pre-event preparations and/or onsite assistance to staff. Whatever time you can give to volunteering in this capacity can be extremely helpful to the Southwestern staff.  

Fundraising

It’s no secret that it costs money to ensure that Southwestern continues to maintain a strong academic and well-rounded experience for all members of the community. There are many ways alumni can help solicit gifts from classmates and friends for scholarships, building enhancements, and other fundraising initiatives that may be important to you. This level of commitment can vary depending on what your interests are. 

Southwestern University Alumni Association

Alumni Council: The 34 positions on the Alumni Council are elected to govern and guide the activities of The Association and unite the alumni base. Alumni Council members serve on one of three committees who work to connect alumni to 1) current students 2) fellow alumni, and 3) the University.

Class Reunions: Classes reunite at Homecoming and Reunion Weekend every five years. Serve on the reunion planning committee to assist with party details and outreach to classmates over the course of 10 to 12 months.

Local Chapter Officer: Local Chapter officers coordinate events and programs to encourage alumni engagement in their respective hometowns. Each city has its own personality so events vary based on locality. Serve on your Local Chapter officer board (2-year term) or simply offer to host an event in your area. If you are interested in starting a Local Chapter in your city, please email alumni@southwestern.edu .

Alumni Network Mentoring Program : Consider sharing your wisdom and expertise with Southwestern students. The connections will be based on professional interest, major, student organization involvement, and other academic and co-curricular life areas. Click here for a full description of the program and your involvement as an alumnus/a.

Other: If you’re uncertain about how you would like to be involved with The Association, the staff in the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations can help.