UCM Alumni Foundation Guidebook

NICKNAMES: Mules and Jennies

96% of Graduates feel prepared for the workforce.

STUDENT POPULATION: 13,000+

$1.6 Million Alumni Foundation scholarships awarded to UCM students

MASCOT: Mo the Mule

ALUMNI NETWORK: 100,000+ PRESIDENT: Roger Best, Ph.D.

185+ Student clubs and organizations

96% of UCM Students launch their career or begin graduate school within six months of graduation.

WARRENSBURG POPULATION: ~20,000

Students from 48 states and 52 countries MOTTO: Education for Service

26 National Greek letter chapters

YOUR UCM ALUMNI FOUNDATION

In 1871, the University of Central Missouri opened its doors as State Normal School No. 2 with 30 students in a rented building. The campus would be built on 20 acres of land generously donated by local resident Melville U. Foster, establishing a foundation of philanthropy that continues to this day.

In 1872, the first graduating class founded an alumni association, which became an official organization after six years. One hundred years later, in 1979, the Central Missouri State University Foundation was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to cultivate, manage and distribute resources in support of

the university. The Smiser Alumni Center opened in 1991 as a place for returning alumni and the Foundation to call home. In 2016, a decade after the institution changed its name to the University of Central Missouri, the “Alumni Board” and the “Foundation Board” became one consolidated “Alumni Foundation Board of Directors.”

WHAT WE DO

Today the UCM Alumni Foundation Board and staff members remain dedicated to serving the university.

Our mission is to cultivate, manage and distribute resources in support of the University of Central Missouri.

Our vision is to transform the lives of UCM students and to create opportunities for them beyond what they imagined possible.

We accomplish our mission and realize our vision by adhering to these core values:

ALUM FROM DAY 1

While each person’s time at the University of Central Missouri is unique, our shared experience makes us part of a community with a common bond. There are some experiences that all UCM students share — traditions that define what it means to be Mules and Jennies.

Since 1871, students have embraced the culture and spirit of the university. Each generation upholds UCM’s time-tested traditions, modernizes others and creates their own.

The UCM Traditions Keeper program allows students to earn prizes while checking off traditions they participate in, receiving a medallion to wear at graduation upon reaching 75 total.

ALUMNI AMBASSADORS

Alumni Ambassadors are an elite group of current UCM students who serve as hosts at alumni events, lead the Alum From Day 1 program, provide valuable student perspective to the Alumni Foundation Board of Directors and uphold the university’s values as Traditions Keepers. These student leaders will transition to leadership roles in their respective MuleNation chapters and in the Next Generation Council upon graduation.

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI®

EVENTS

Alumni and friends are always welcome back on campus and especially encouraged to return for events like Homecoming and Family Weekend! Come see what’s new at your old stomping ground — and what will never change. Whether you know it as Central Missouri State College, Central Missouri State University or the University of Central Missouri, the Warrensburg campus is a place you can always call home.

FAMILY WEEKEND

Alumni with a family member currently attending UCM are invited to Family Weekend at the start of each academic year. Spend time with future alumni while seeing what’s new at your old stomping ground.

MULE TEAM

Do you have a family member currently attending UCM? Stay in the loop by joining the Mule Team Family Association. Sign up at ucmfoundation.org/muleteam.

HOMECOMING

Homecoming is the largest alumni tradition of the year!

The Homecoming parade is a colorful feast for the eyes, bringing the campus and local communities together to enjoy the Marching Mules, floats, equestrian units, dignitaries, area organizations, businesses, regional high school bands and UCM’s very own live mules.

REUNIONS

Reunions are a great way to reconnect with the university community. Whether reuniting a graduating class, Greek or student organization, athletic team or program of study, the UCM Alumni Foundation is here to bring alumni together again. If you are interested in planning a reunion at UCM or have questions, please contact our Events Team at 660-543-8000 or events@ucmo.edu.

FOUNDERS WEEKEND

UCM’s 150th anniversary in 2021 launched a new tradition that happens every year around April 27, the day the documents were signed officially awarding the location of Missouri’s State Normal School No. 2 to the town of Warrensburg.

PLAN AN EVENT

Are there numerous Mules and Jennies in your area? Need some help getting everyone together? We assist with planning and hosting alumni socials across the country year-round. Contact our Events Team at 660-543-8000 or events@ucmo.edu.

PARTY IN A BOX

Enjoy watch parties, virtual events and even the Homecoming game from the comfort of your home with Party in a Box. Everything you need to celebrate, including UCM memorabilia, treats and event access, is delivered to your door.

YOU ARE

MuleNation is what we call the network of more than 100,000 UCM alumni around the globe. Regional chapters are active across the country and internationally, promoting connection and collaboration among proud UCM graduates.

A successful MuleNation chapter brings together alumni who are living in the same region, engaging the group with events and networking opportunities. The chapter provides meaningful ways for members to stay involved with the university and model UCM’s core values. Chapter members and leaders also support current students and recruit prospective students by upholding and amplifying the reputation of the university.

MuleNation chapters require bold leaders with personal humility, integrity and a strong work ethic. Leadership candidates must have a genuine eagerness to engage with their alumni community and promote a sense of fellowship. They must also be willing and able to establish an effective relationship with university leadership and be an articulate advocate for the UCM Alumni Foundation.

Find your chapter at

Are you a UCM alum under the age

NEXT GENERATION COUNCIL

Volunteering is a great way to give back, or “pay it forward.”

Any contribution of time and talent is welcome. Discover the volunteering opportunities that mean the most to you!

Not seeing the right opportunity for you? Create your own! The possibilities for volunteering are limited only by your imagination. Learn more about volunteering at ucmfoundation.org/volunteer

ACADEMIC VOLUNTEER

Academic volunteers work closely with faculty to provide mentorship for students, give classroom presentations or serve on a program-specific advisory board.

CAREER AND LIFE DESIGN VOLUNTEER

Career and Life Design volunteers help prepare UCM students for the workforce through internships, job shadowing, resume reviews, mock interviews, networking and virtual or in-person career guidance.

FUNDRAISING VOLUNTEER

Fundraising volunteers raise money for the university by championing crowdfunding campaigns, creating social media fundraisers and simply asking friends and family to make a tax-deductible donation to UCM.

SOCIAL MEDIA VOLUNTEER

Social-savvy alumni can help grow the MuleNation network by tagging fellow graduates, using specific hashtags and sharing posts to encourage involvement.

EVENT VOLUNTEER

Alumni event volunteers lend their expertise by planning, promoting, hosting or simply being on hand at a MuleNation gathering to greet guests or help out as needed.

STUDENT RECRUITMENT VOLUNTEER

Student recruitment volunteers work with Admissions to help find the next generation of Mules and Jennies through outreach at high school fairs, community events or various mentoring and networking opportunities.

VOLUNTEER BUSINESS CARDS

Help recruit the next generation of Mules and Jennies! Request your complimentary volunteer business cards and UCM business card case. These customized cards will help you spread the word about the university by inviting a prospective student to apply. Request your cards and case by calling 660-543-8000 or emailing alumni@ucmo.edu.

MULENATION WEEK OF SERVICE

Every April, we celebrate National Volunteer Month by embracing the university’s motto of “Education for Service.” Alumni across MuleNation are invited to submit volunteer opportunities in their region as well as service that can be done remotely. Volunteers have assembled care packages, built homes, sorted food donations, beautified community spaces, planted trees for Earth Day and more.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

NOTES FROM OUR STOMPING GROUND

Twice a year we organize a week of personalized letter writing. Alumni are invited to share their UCM memories, love for a program or team, and overall best wishes for incoming students. Come to Smiser to write notes with the Alumni Foundation staff or participate from anywhere in MuleNation by using the form on ucmo.vomo.org. Notes submitted online will be transcribed into handwritten notes on UCM stationery and mailed to new students. Every word of encouragement makes a difference for our newest Mules and Jennies!

ALUMNI RECOGNITION

Each year, the UCM Alumni Foundation Board of Directors honors graduates and donors of the university who have demonstrated high achievement in their chosen fields and continued engagement with the university.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD

Since 1978, the UCM Alumni Foundation has presented the Distinguished Alumni Award to recognize outstanding graduates who are esteemed by their peers as “the brightest and most distinguished” in their field.

award recognizes alumni who attended UCM as international students and have achieved professional distinction.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD FOR SERVICE

The Distinguished Alumni Award for Service was established in 2012 to honor individuals who have given their time, talent and resources to exemplify the university’s motto of “Education for Service.”

Watch videos about our outstanding Distinguished Alumni and nominate an alum at ucmfoundation.org/awards/DA .

DISTINGUISHED INTERNATIONAL ALUMNI

AWARD

As a world-class institution of higher education, UCM is proud of its long history of educating exceptional students from around the globe. Established in 2002, this

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD FOR EARLY ACHIEVEMENT

Established in 2017, this award recognizes graduates who achieve early career success at 40 years of age or younger.

10 UNDER 40

The Next Generation Council advisory group steers the UCM Alumni Foundation’s 10 Under 40 recognition program for young professionals. Every year exemplary alumni are selected for innovating in their fields, inspiring their communities and leading by example as the next generation of leaders. Nominate a young alum at ucmfoundation.org/10-under-40.

FOUNDING

The Founders Society recognizes donors who have contributed $25,000 or more in their lifetime to the UCM Alumni Foundation — through outright contributions and/or documented planned gift intentions. Established in 2021, the Founding Philanthropist Award honors select donors who have contributed above and beyond the minimum requirement.

10 UNDER 40 BE PART OF

WHAT’S

NE T!

WAYS TO GIVE BACK

CENTRAL ANNUAL FUND

UCM’s unrestricted fund supports the most critical needs of the university, uplifting students through scholarships, enhancing the student experience through Opportunity Grants and supporting the operation and renovation of campus facilities. Each year the university is reliant on the Central Annual Fund for approximately $285,000. Designate “Central Annual Fund” to enable UCM to use your gift toward what’s needed most.

ENDOW A SCHOLARSHIP

The UCM Alumni Foundation is proud to offer more than 600 active scholarships through UCM Scholarship Finder. These scholarships are possible because of generous donations from alumni and friends. As the demand for scholarships continues to grow, the UCM Alumni Foundation continues to make awarding them a top priority.

Endowed scholarships are particularly valuable because they provide a permanent source of funding with only the interest used for the award. Anyone can set up a scholarship endowment to honor a loved one; to support students in a particular college or department; to give students the financial boost they need to complete their degree; to assist incoming students from a specific location; to encourage advancement of an art form or sport; or simply to create a lasting legacy.

A minimum investment of $25,000 is necessary to create a scholarship endowment, and donors can take up to five years to establish the initial investment. Endowments are invested by the UCM Alumni Foundation, and a percentage of the earnings is awarded to one or more students each year. Endowed scholarships last forever, helping generations of students.

PLANNED GIVING

Make a planned gift through a life insurance policy, charitable annuity or your estate or will. Providing a charitable contribution that truly makes a difference is a process that can adapt with your changing needs and wishes. Some gift options, like a charitable gift annuity, allow you to support what you care about while receiving fixed payments for the rest of your life.

A member of our team will gladly meet with you one-on-one to discuss your philanthropic goals and the options available through the UCM Alumni Foundation. To connect with us, call 660-543-8000 or email giving@ucmo.edu.

A gift of $10 or more allows current students to become members of the Cap & Gown Society. You will recognize members at commencement wearing their green philanthropy cords.

The $25,000 commitment required for a scholarship endowment secures membership in UCM’s prestigious Founders Society. Whether a scholarship, outright contribution or planned gift intention, a lifetime investment of this amount or more puts donors in our most prestigious giving society. Founders Society members are invited to our annual Evening of Appreciation event and Homecoming donor appreciation breakfast. As a token of our appreciation, members also receive a membership certificate and lapel pin.

Learn more about giving societies at ucmfoundation.org/ giving-societies.

UCM’s Heritage Society recognizes those who have made a documented planned gift intention or estate gift. As a token of our appreciation, members receive a Heritage Society lapel pin and writing pen set. They are also invited to our annual Homecoming donor appreciation breakfast.

An annual gift of $1,000 or more per fiscal year to the Central Annual Fund secures membership in UCM’s 1871 Society. Members are invited to our annual Homecoming donor appreciation breakfast and receive an 1871 window decal to show their UCM pride.

CAP & GOWN SOCIETY

BE AN ACTIVE ALUM.

UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION

Did you change your name, land a

RECRUIT PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

Do you know someone who is thinking about earning a higher education degree? Whether it’s a family member, babysitter, barista, neighbor, grocery store clerk or friend, invite them to take the first step toward a bright future at ucmo.edu/apply.

Your continued engagement with UCM will be personally rewarding while also making your alma mater stronger. It’s a win-win! Here are 10 ways to stay connected.

ATTEND A MULENATION EVENT

The UCM Alumni Foundation has chapters across the United States, plus an international chapter. Find the group in your region to attend their gatherings or inquire about starting your own chapter at ucmfoundation.org/mulenation.

SHOW YOUR SPIRIT

Showcase your UCM spirit wherever you roam! Snag your very own “Fighting Mule” license plate for your vehicle licensed in Missouri through a donation of $25 or more to the UCM Alumni Foundation. Plus, check out digital swag or shop for the latest UCM gear and souvenirs at ucmfoundation.org/spirit.

LIKE AND FOLLOW OUR UCM ALUMNI FOUNDATION PAGES

Our handles are @UCM_Alum on X and Instagram or UCM AlumniFoundation on Facebook. Meet and network with other alumni across the globe by joining the UCM Alumni Foundation’s LinkedIn group. Request to join at linkedin.com/ groups/149481.

ATTEND HOMECOMING

Come back to campus for UCM’s biggest celebration of the year! Enjoy the Homecoming parade and a party with live music and food trucks in Selmo Park before the big game. Get the details at ucmfoundation.org/homecoming

CHEER FOR YOUR TEAM

BE A VOLUNTEER

Be a guest speaker on campus, mentor students in person or virtually or lend a hand at events. You can also volunteer on specific giving days like Giving Tuesday and Match Madness. Learn more at ucmfoundation.org/volunteer.

HIRE AN ALUM

Consider hiring a UCM student or graduate for any job or internship opportunity you have available. UCM’s Career and Life Design Center will work with you to find the right candidate for your opportunity. Connect at ucmo.edu/career.

Our student-athletes are proud to have alumni cheering for them at home games and watch parties. Show your support by being a fan for our top-notch Mules and Jennies! Get season tickets at ucmathletics.com/tickets.

SUPPORT STUDENTS

There is truly no better way to give back than to pay it forward. Choose to contribute toward scholarships and Opportunity Grants through the Central Annual Fund or personalize your giving toward a program, team or cause that’s meaningful to you. Visit ucmgives.org.