<p>So I'm posting this because I've noticed several comments about the concern toward UCLA's lower-profile alumni base in comparison to some other schools throughout the country. Hope this answers some of those questions!</p>
<p>UCLA's alumni network is often overlooked. Truth is, it's GREAT! I'm a member of an organization that deals with them on a daily basis, and they are some of the most helpful and passionate people I've ever met. They don't really rub their status in your face, but really all you need to do is be proactive and you'll be in great shape. There are several THOUSAND alumni "on-call," which means that they've agreed to be listed in a database in JWAC that students can access to talk with alums. Often times these calls result in job/internship interview offers. They come out in masses to support athletic teams, participate in Dinners for 12 strangers (which offers 12 random strangers--students, faculty and alums--the opportunity to bond over a meal in the spring, hosted by an alum at their home), donate scholarship $, etc. Earlier this year, I was at a football game, early for my tailgate, and a friend and I were trying to keep updated on another game. We saw some alums with a tricked-out RV, and asked if we could share their tv for a few minutes. Not only did they offer us the tv, but also chairs, coke and burgers.</p>
<p>There is also "Interview with a Bruin," which you can sign up for through the Student Alumni Association (SAA), in which hundreds of alums offer to conduct mock interviews for current students. There are several other alumni-mentorship programs as well, so you have TONS of potential opportunities to make connections. </p>
<p>So I think they really deserve more credit than they get. Just because we don't slap "Bruin Family" bumper stickers everywhere doesn't mean graduates are just as proud and supportive. Like everything else at this school, if you take the initiative, it's yours.</p>
<p>Simple: UVa has a relatively wealthy student body, and Just like the Iives, it’s easy to donate money when your family has plenty of it when you matriculate. It was only a couple of years ago where UVa had less than 7% Pell Grantees on campus; it’s now approaching ten %. In contrast, the UCs had 4-5 times UVa’s historical number (which is now down to ~3-4 times).</p>
<p>But what about years later when grads are hopefully doing well? We’re not talking about large sums, just getting out the checkbook because you loved your college experience and want to help more enjoy the same great things you did. 50 bucks gets recorded the same way as $50K does.</p>
The UCLA Alumni Association sponsors several significant programs; one example is the Alumni Scholars Club. It is a merit-based scholarship organization that seeks out top applicants during their senior year of high school, and, through a series of competitive interviews, allows those students to compete for awards ranging from $4-17,500. There are about 700 Alumni Scholars at UCLA, so it has gone a long way in helping to enroll and support the best of the best. In return, those scholars must give a minimum of 30 community service hours per year in order to renew their scholarship. Added up, that’s over 21,000 hours of service provided to UCLA and the community each year as a result of money donated by alums to this one particular scholarship program.</p>
<p>The fact remains, alumni donations are no where near what other similarly ranked schools get. I’ve also never heard of US reunions or other activities that draw alum in. It’s these things that keep alumni involved, build loyalty and result in good things for current students.</p>
<p>This generation should start these efforts.</p>
<p>If your “fact” means privates colleges (where more than half are full pay and in the top 6% of US income tables, and thus wealthy), your statement would be correct. But similarly ranked publics, hmmmmm.</p>
<p>As much as I think the Alumni Giving component of USNews is totally worthless, I’ll play:</p>
As a current student, let me assure you that we don’t really even think about how rich our alums are or how much money they donate; they lend their time and moral support, and that’s fine with me. </p>
<p>It’s also important to mention that UCLA does not factor in alumni relation in admissions. At many private schools, alums will donate to stay on “the good side” with the school. They don’t try to hide this (my aunt, who donates a large amount to a certain Ivy League alma mater, openly admits she does it on behalf of her son, who will be applying in a few years). Because UCLA does not use this legacy-based admissions policy, not as many alums donate. Would it be nice if they did? Sure. But none of the current students you speak of are half as worried about it as you are.</p>
<p>‘Often times these calls result in job/internship interview offers’</p>
<p>thats not true at all. I’ve emailed lots (maybe over 50) different alumni in my field just for advice about what steps I need to follow to get into the field I want and how they got to the position they’re currently at, but I only got 1 interview from them as a result. I never directly asked them for a job. Alot of times, they just gave a short description to help you out or don’t answer the email.</p>