History

According to an account in The Story of the Mountain, by Rev. Edward F. X. McSweeny, The Mount’s National Alumni Association was established in 1875.  Reverend Jeremiah Griffin, Class of 1862, from New York , was elected as the first president.  Within fifty years, alumni chapters emerged in Pittsburgh , New York , Philadelphia , Boston , Scranton and Harrisburg .  Today, the chapter system serves 14,000 Mountaineers from the College, Seminary, Prep School, and Graduate Program.  Mount alumni reside in all fifty states, District of Columbia , Puerto Rico , U.S. Virgin Islands , and more than thirty foreign countries.

Purpose

The Constitution of the National Alumni Association states that the purpose of the Association is to “promote the welfare and mission of the University, Seminary and graduate programs, and any such other endeavors of Mount St. Mary’s University and Seminary by vigorous, intelligent and unified efforts of the Association’s members, as well as to foster and maintain fellowship among its graduates.” 

In order to comply with this mandate, the Association has identified six principal areas of concentration, along with the vital efforts related to each area.

1. Social
   
   • Sponsor Alumni Reunion Weekend, Priests’ Alumni Reunion , Winter Homecoming, Hall of Fame Day, Senior Class “Send-Off”, and the Alumni Chapter System.
   • Provide regional events and programs for young alumni.
   • Educate students and seminarians about the Association’s purpose.
   • Present the Association’s various national awards to alumni (and non-alumni) for outstanding service to the Church, state, nation and The Mount, as well as for outstanding achievement in intercollegiate athletics.
     
     
2. Academics
   
   • Provide alumni speakers for the various academic departments, student organizations and clubs, and the co-curricular programs.
   • Fund the Reverend Carl J. Fives Alumni Scholarship Program, which awards scholarships annually to members of the College’s senior class and the fourth year Seminary class.
     
     
3. Admissions
   
   • Assist with the “Coordinated Alumni Recruitment Effort” (CARE), sponsored by the Admissions Office, by recommending alumni volunteers who will refer prospective students to the College.
   • Represent The Mount at regional college fair programs.
   • Participate in on-campus and off-campus student recruitment events.
   • When requested, contact newly accepted students who reside in their local regions in order to offer assistance and answer any questions about campus life.
     
     
4. Career Development
   
   • Assist the Career Center .
   • Sponsor student internships.
   • Register with the “Mount Mentoring Network Service”.
   • Post job openings on the Career Center ’s on-line service.
   • Participate in the annual Career Expos and career related programs on campus.
   • Conduct mock job interviews.
   • Serve as career mentors.
   • Speak to a class, student organization or club.
     
     
5. Alumni Giving
   
   • Work closely with the Office of Institutional Advancement to strengthen the financial base of the institution by helping to identify volunteers and potential donors for the Annual Fund, Reunion Class Gifts, Deferred Giving Programs, and designated capital campaigns.
   • Provide opportunities at national, regional and chapter events for the President or appropriate officers of the University and Seminary to outline current or future financial needs and to promote important institutional fund-raising efforts.
   • Emphasize through various forums the importance of alumni donor participation.
     
     
6. Communications
   
   • Through the Mount Magazine , President’s Report and the Alumni Website, increase awareness of academic, athletic and co-curricular programs, institutional goals, and student and seminarian life.
   • Articulate short and long-term plans and financial needs.
   • Provide an overview of recent happenings on campus.
   • Offer pertinent information about Association events, programs and projects which help to support the mission of the University and Seminary.
   • Maintain a valuable link between The Mount and its alumni.
   • Advise the Mount President regarding Alumni Association matters and decisions of significance.
   • Upon the Mount President’s request or when otherwise necessary, submit recommendations that contribute to the mission of the University and Seminary.

   The Association is governed by a president, executive vice president, and two vice presidents who serve two-year terms, and ten members of the National Alumni Council who serve four-year terms.  These national alumni leaders meet on campus three times during the academic year to organize and plan alumni programs, events and projects which will assist the institution to carry forth its educational mission.

   The National Alumni Association of Mount St. Mary’s University and Seminary is truly a supportive service organization for The Mount community.  Proud of its past – excited about its future!