The Alumni Council is a proud supporter of Colgate athletics and Homecoming Weekend. Members of the Alumni Council are frequent volunteers for students during this favorite annual weekend.
The Alumni Council is proud to be instrumental in the development of career programs such as SophoMORE Connections. Each year, members of the Alumni Council participate in a variety of career panels for students.
The Alumni Council supports Colgate every year with 100% participation in fundraising efforts.
The Alumni Council was pleased to participate in the inauguration of President Brian W. Casey, Colgate's 17th President in October, 2016. Here, members join the processional.
The Board of Directors of the Colgate University Alumni Corporation
The Alumni Council represents the more than 34,000 living members of Colgate’s alumni body. The mission of the council is to support the University; advance Colgate’s Third-Century Plan; promote dialogue among alumni, students, faculty, university administration, and the Board of Trustees; and to promote alumni engagement. The Alumni Council convenes at Colgate three times per year and is available to share updates with and hear perspectives from the alumni body year-round.
Nomination and Election
All alumni who have attended Colgate for at least one semester are eligible to serve.
The Nominations Committee reviews all nominations, then makes a recommendation for election based on each candidate’s potential for service. They ensure that nominees represent the class distribution and diversity of our alumni community, and we continually evaluate the nomination and election process, suggesting changes as appropriate.
The Nominations Committee operates in a yearly cycle that culminates in the publishing of a slate of candidates in the winter edition of Colgate Magazine, but nominations are accepted at any time during the year and from eligible alumni. An alum may nominate him or herself.
Nominations should be sent or e-mailed to the Executive Secretary, Jillian Cole ’10, at jcole@colgate.edu.
Each year, the profiles of approximately 300 candidates are reviewed and discussed. The following key criteria are used as a guide to selection:
- Volunteer service and leadership in Colgate affairs
- Consistent history of financial support to Colgate
- Demonstrated commitment to Colgate over time
- Meaningful personal or professional accomplishments or contributions to the greater community
- Readiness and willingness to become more involved on behalf of the university
The Nominations Committee strives to select a slate of candidates that ensures that the Alumni Council reflects both the graduating class distribution and the diversity of the alumni membership as a whole.
To get more involved with Colgate as a volunteer, please visit our page on Volunteer Opportunities.
Vision - A passionate and engaged Alumni Council works in partnership with Colgate University to advance the University’s mission.
Mission - The Alumni Council promotes enduring alumni engagement and service that supports and advances Colgate University and its global community.
Fall 2024
Spring 2024
Winter 2024
Fall 2023
Spring 2023
Winter 2023
Fall 2022
Spring 2022 (Reunion)
Spring 2022
Winter 2022
Fall 2021
Spring 2021
Meeting executive summary and meeting minutes
Winter 2021
Fall 2020
Meeting summary
Meeting minutes
Spring 2020
Meeting summary
Meeting minutes
Winter 2020
Meeting summary
Meeting minutes
Fall 2019
Meeting summary
Meeting minutes
Spring 2019
1919
The Alumni Corporation (Council) is founded
1930
The Alumni Corporation starts the Torchlight Ceremony in memory of three classmates; it continues as an uninterrupted Colgate tradition.
1999
Partnership for Community Development is inaugurated to create positive a town/gown relationship. Still going strong as the village, town, and Colgate work effectively as partners for the benefit of all.
2002
Initiated “Real World” for Colgate seniors. Alums return to campus in January to discuss their careers with students. Praised in The Wall Street Journal and USA Today, it has evolved into “Sophomore Connections,” having helped thousands of students navigate their career paths.
2004
The Alumni Council serves as advisors to the university trustees and administration on the Task Force on Campus Culture which includes the purchase of Greek letter properties. The Council offered recommendations on communication strategies, key stakeholders, and long-term prosperity.
2009
Recommended an audit of Colgate’s Center for Career Services. The Council is credited with helping to advise the reorganization of Career Services, the construction of Benton Hall, and the development of the Colgate Professional Networks.
2017
The Alumni Council formed the Torchlight Working Group to act as a resource and sounding board for President Casey as the ceremony was re-examined. The Alumni Council’s recommendations remain in place.
On-going
Numerous council members have risen to the top of Colgate’s leadership hierarchy including Board Chair Mike Herling ‘79, past chairs Dan Hurwitz ’86 and Denis Cronin ‘69. Board of Trustees Vice Chairs Gus Coldebella ’91 and Jeanne Follansbee ’78 also served exemplary terms on the Alumni Council.
Upcoming Meetings
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
May 31, 2024 Annual Meeting at Reunion* | Lathrop 207 Hamilton, NY |
September 19-21, 2024 Begins on the evening of Thursday, September 19 | Hamilton, NY |
January 16-18, 2025 Begins on the evening of Thursday, January 16 | Hamilton, NY |
April 4-6, 2025 Begins on the evening of Friday, April 4 | Hamilton, NY |
May 30, 2025 Annual Meeting at Reunion* | Hamilton, NY |
September 18-20, 2025 Begins on the evening of Thursday, September 18 | Hamilton, NY |
January 15-17, 2026 Begins on the evening of Thursday, January 15 | Hamilton, NY |
April 10-12, 2026 Begins on the evening of Friday, April 10 | Hamilton, NY |
*Council members are not required to attend the annual meeting. Those on campus for Reunion are encouraged to attend at 10:00 a.m.