On Nov. 3, the Student Alumni Association held a general meeting to discuss several topics.

One item of discussion was the student discount card, which is available to SAA members.

The student discount program was started in Bloomington, and it is working its way onto other IU campuses, as well.

With the card, SAA members will be able to receive discounts at locations such as McDonald’s, Arby’s and various clothing stores.

“We are trying to reach out to companies our students would want to do business with,” said Jerry Wayne, director of Alumni Affairs.

Wayne also said the cards will be in effect by next semester.

Currently, with 53 members, the membership goal is 100 people. In order to reach this goal, the SAA hopes to host a membership drive in order to recruit new members.

“The most important thing is not only to get more members but also get them involved,” Wayne said.

Other events that were discussed included the Chancellor’s Medallion Dinner on Nov. 14 and a possible SAA telethon.

After graduation, alumni receive complimentary membership that must be renewed annually. The purpose of the SAA telethon would be to call alumni in order to renew membership.

The SAA also will start a mentoring program within the Alumni Association in order to help student
alumni prepare for their professional lives.

One idea mentioned for the program would be a job-shadow day in which student alumni would be paired with past members.

The overall purpose of SAA is to help student members make connections with alumni and help build leadership skills.

“I feel this association should have some value for you all,” Wayne said. “As graduates, you will always be IUS alumni and SAA will always be there to serve you.”

Members attending the meeting also shared what they felt was important for the SAA.

“I think it would be beneficial to see the student alumni in action,” Josh Kornberg, elementary education sophomore, said. “I think we should incorporate our alumni into our student body for employment opportunities and
networking.”

By DESIREE SMITH
Staff Writer
demismit@ius.edu