Alumni Center History

The strength of a university is best reflected in the achievements and engagement of its alumni.  Alumni provide the resources and continuity that allows an institution to build on its heritage and history and transform a university from a basic place of learning and research to a formative and identifying era in one’s life.

A trend over the past several years has been the creation of alumni centers on campuses nationwide, providing a place for alumni to return and gather.  Alumni centers showcase the traditions of the university and bind generations to each other. 

During the 2001-2005 strategic planning process of the University of Miami Alumni Association, the idea of having a dedicated alumni center at the University of Miami started to become a reality as the UMAA discovered a wide-range of support for the concept. Over time, details of an alumni center began to take shape, including a location (the corner of Brescia Ave. and Hurricane Drive, the location of the current dance building), various designs and concepts and resource goals.

Most importantly, the idea of an alumni center was strongly supported by University President Donna E. Shalala, who prioritized strengthening the connection with Miami alumni.  With the support of alumni and the administration, the University of Miami Alumni Center is rapidly becoming a reality.