Each member of the Alumni Council is part of at least one of the committees detailed below.

Academic Life Committee

Susan Horowitz '76, Chair

The Academic Life Committee seeks to promote meaningful opportunities for intellectual engagement between alumni and faculty, as well as students, parents, and friends of the University. Committee members liaise with the Office of the Provost and Dean of the Faculty in fostering connections with faculty across all disciplines. This committee facilitates lifelong learning for all stakeholders of the University.

Alumni Engagement Committee

Elizabeth A. Hartman '80, Chair

The Alumni Engagement Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the University's Office of Alumni Relations to identify, improve, develop, and implement initiatives that engage alumni with the University and its mission, as well as with other alumni. This committee proactively works with the regional advancement staff in support of the district clubs program, and with the Office of Advancement staff to enhance engagement efforts, foster collaboration, and improve communication and outreach to alumni.

Awards Committee

Brooke S. Beck '94, Chair

The Awards Committee recommends nominees for Alumni Council awards that honor alumni, faculty, and other University employees who have manifested outstanding commitment, contributions, and service to the University: the Wm. Brian Little '64 Alumni Award for Distinguished Service, Maroon Citations, the Ann Yao '80 Memorial Young Alumni Award, the Colgate University Corporation Humanitarian Award, and the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, as well as such other awards as the Alumni Council shall from time to time determine to be appropriate and in the best interests of the Alumni Council and the University. The selections for award recipients shall be made in accordance with guidelines adopted by the Alumni Council governing such awards.

Campus Connections Committee

Denny Gonzalez '13, Chair

The Campus Connections Committee directly connects with and supports students and campus organizations, in collaboration with the Dean of the College. With a focus on advancing the traditions, rituals, and spirit that connect alumni with the University and with each other, the Committee further demonstrates to future alumni the special nature of being a Colgate alum.

Career Initiatives Committee

Kurt L. Wright '81, Chair

The Career Initiatives Committee partners with the University and its Office of Career Services to strengthen the value alumni provide to both current students and alumni, whether they are entering or already in the workforce, or are considering postgraduate educational opportunities. By enhancing access to the professional networks and relationships of the alumni body, the committee works to assist students and alumni in building fulfilling career paths.

Communications Committee

Christopher L. Nulty '09, Chair

The Communications Committee promotes and enhances successful communication among the University, its alumni, and its current students, through key social and print media channels, working in collaboration with the Office of University Communications. The committee also ensures that the work of the Alumni Council is effectively communicated to the broader alumni community.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

James A. Speight IV '14, Chair

Examine opportunities for the Alumni Council to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its functions.  Long term goals include 1) addressing alumni representation on the Alumni Council, including membership criteria and selection process; 2) make recommendations to the officers on minimal competencies specifically regarding blind bias and inequity for all members of the Alumni Council; 3) support Colgate University’s efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students, faculty, and staff; and 4) serve as advisors to the DE&I Task Force on campus.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee Mission Statement

Nominations Committee

Johanna R. Ames '98, Chair

The Nominations Committee identifies and recommends candidates for the Alumni Council by considering varied Colgate volunteer service, a demonstrated commitment to Colgate over time, meaningful personal or professional accomplishments or contributions to the greater community, a readiness and willingness to become more involved on behalf of the University, and a consistent history of giving financial support to Colgate, as well as other indicators of significant engagement with or contribution to Colgate. The committee endeavors to ensure that the nominees, if elected, would result in an Alumni Council that reflects diversity of the alumni membership as a whole, as well as the diversity of the student body. The committee also recommends candidates for the Alumni Council’s officers as well as alumni trustees for election to the University's Board of Trustees.