LINDSAY BURNETT

THE LAST WORD

LINDSAY BURNETT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALUMNI RELATIONS

The fall 2020 semester at Arkansas State University was like no other. Every aspect of our society has been limited by the COVID-19 pandemic, and events on campus and those sponsored by the Alumni Association are no exception.

But we have adapted. We’ve established our virtual Lunch and Learn series that has proven to be extremely popular. Online gatherings have been a necessary adjustment for everyone across the globe during the pandemic, and the speakers we have presented through our Lunch and Learn series have drawn large audiences from across the nation.

Our campus has adapted as well. Administrators developed a plan for physically-distanced seating at athletic events, classes have been held in-person as well as online, and thankfully, hundreds of new alumni were able to cross the stage and receive their diplomas in Centennial Bank Stadium as A-State moved Spring and Fall Commencements to an outdoor setting for the first time since 1986.

Another change we have made at the Alumni Association is our method of reaching out to you as we raise funds for programs at Arkansas State. Many of you are familiar with our annual Phonathon calling campaign in which we asked our alumni to support the college or department of their choosing. We’ve eliminated Phonathon, and will use an online giving platform when seeking donations. Instead of calling, we will email and text you, our alumni, each month focusing on a different college. Your college will determine when we contact you, and I hope you will consider giving back when you receive your email and text. The university can only move forward with the support of its alumni.

Additionally, A-State’s Day of Giving is scheduled for April 27. Please mark your calendars for this important date on which we will ask all Arkansas State University alumni, friends, students, staff and faculty to give back to the program of their choice. This is our university, our future, our day. #Give2AState

Finally, there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel for the pandemic. Infection and hospitalization numbers are dropping, and vaccines are more available with each passing day. Clinics held at First National Bank Arena in early 2021 resulted in more than 1,000 faculty and staff members receiving the vaccine, helping us work toward a safer environment for everyone on campus.

It is my sincere hope that when our next issue of Voices is published, it will be filled with photos and details of events that have once again begun to take place on our campus.

Until then, Wolves Up!

Loyalty to A-State doesn’t end at graduation. There are several ways in which you can keep up-to-date on A-State.

1 follow

Follow us on social media to learn the latest from campus.

2 attend

University events reach across a broad platform of interests and are a great way to take advantage of what A-State has to offer.

3 join

Become a member of the A-State Alumni Association. If you’re already a member, consider 1924 Sustaining Life Membership.

4 recruit

Be an A-State advocate with friends and family. Bring students to campus for sporting or arts events and show them A-State is a great place.

5 give

Your charitable investment, whether through annual gifts or a planned estate gift, will ensure the success of other A-State students.

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