A group of former Cochise College students is formalizing a new organization to reach out to alumni and other friends of the institution, and they’re looking for more members.
Cochise College Alumni includes former students, employees and others interested in networking with and supporting the college, its programs and students. Currently, members include residents of Cochise County, as well as individuals in the Tucson and Phoenix areas, in other states, and as far away as Japan. Some are retired, and others are employed as attorneys, educators, healthcare professionals, and writers.
Growing the membership is an ongoing goal, according to Diana Dominguez, leader of the organizing team. The college has awarded more than 22,000 degrees and certificates to approximately 17,000 students since it opened in the 1960s. The cost of tracking down that many individuals would be prohibitive, but Dominguez said the effort will focus instead on building a network of former students who are interested in maintaining a relationship with the college or each other.
“Meeting other former students like ourselves and finding out where their Cochise College experience led them is always great,” said Dominguez, who graduated in 1986. “If every member gets one friend to join, that doubles our membership instantly and gives us a lot more people to meet. At this point, the possibilities for alumni-focused activities are wide open.”
The Cochise College Athletics Department already is planning an all-sport alumni recruiting weekend Feb. 5 and 6 at the Douglas Campus, and organizers anticipate new members will join at that time. The event is scheduled for a weekend when the baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, and soccer teams will play at home. A faculty-alumni softball game also is planned.
Dominguez said former students who did not earn a degree or certificate, and others who consider themselves friends of the college, are welcome to join the Cochise College Alumni program. Membership is free and open to anyone who wishes to participate.
Prospective members can become part of the alumni communication network by filling out a new alumni form on the college Web site, www.cochise.edu/alumni. They also can communicate with other members by becoming a fan of Cochise College Alumni on Facebook.
“The former students I’ve met express sincere appreciation and share much enthusiasm for their Cochise College experience,” said Dr. J.D. Rottweiler, college president. “I look forward to watching the Cochise College Alumni program grow and to hearing about where our alumni are now.”
Cochise College Alumni is a volunteer organization affiliated with the Cochise College Foundation, a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization that promotes student success through scholarships, facilities development and program support. Alumni members may be invited to college or networking events or to support college marketing or other efforts. For more information, call (520) 417-4100.