Welcome, University of Miami Alumni!

Donna ArbideIt is my pleasure to welcome you to the University of Miami Alumni Association (UMAA). Since 1930, the UMAA has been proud to welcome each and every graduate as a lifetime member and to keep all of our alumni connected with the University.

We are excited to share with you the accomplishments of your Alumni Association over the last twelve months thanks to the efforts of our alumni—including you!

The University of Miami Alumni Association’s membership has grown to include over 146,000 living alumni in 50 states and 148 foreign countries. Through our outreach efforts we have reached out to the highest number of University of Miami graduates, soon-to-be graduates, and family and friends through national outreach, engaging programs, and various volunteer opportunities.

In 2006-2007, your Alumni Association hosted many events including Alumni Weekend, with the first ever appearance of Alumni Avenue attended by over 900 alumni; a national education tour featuring University Provost Thomas LeBlanc in several cities; a reception honoring alumnus Wayne Firestone, A.B. ’86, the International President of Hillel; a special student and alumni screening of alumnus Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson’s (B.G.S. '94) movie, The Gridiron Gang; and over 20 Summer Send-Off receptions across the country to welcome incoming students to the University. We also welcomed new and transfer students and their families in the fall with the first ever Legacy Reception allowing students and alumni to connect at a special ceremony during Orientation Week.

With the continued success of our online publications @Miami and e-Alumni Connections, the UMAA is able to keep alumni informed of University current events and connect alumni with their alma mater.  We continued our marketing efforts in 2006 with the beginning of the Miami magazine bin program on all three UM campuses. The distribution of the magazine on campus has allowed students, faculty, and UM students to learn more about their University and the efforts of their Alumni Association.

In addition, our Annual Fund is stronger than ever reaching an alumni participation rate of 19%—our highest percentage to date.  It has been a great year, with many accomplishments and many more to come. Your alumni association strives toward continuing to fulfill its mission statement in being Your UM Connection.

For the University of Miami,

Donna A. Arbide, M.B.A. '95
Associate Vice President of Alumni Relations and the Annual Fund and
Executive Director of the University of Miami Alumni Association