Members of the WSU Alumni Association’s board of directors and staff recently held a retreat that focused on creating a Vision Statement for our association. This was done with the assistance of John Belt, who is an associate professor emeritus of management at Wichita State. The process is ongoing, as we are putting the finishing touches on our work.
During the retreat, we discussed the value of a strategic planning process, defined the Vision Statement concept (which is related to, but distinctly different from, a Mission Statement), reviewed the history of the alumni association and looked at top alumni organizations across the country. With this information as a backdrop, we worked in groups to create a Vision for our organization.
Here are a few of the points our staff and board felt should be key parts of our Vision:
• Meaningful, participatory support for university endeavors
• Vibrant, diverse community
• Strong relationship between the university and wider community
• A “pulse point” organization that moves ideas, news — and a sense of excitement — throughout the Shocker community
• Prestige associated with membership
• Nationally recognized for excellence
• Lasting relationships
• Fully engaged students and young alums
• Enhanced communication
• Diverse programming
Dr. Belt reminded us that “healthy, vital organizations need dreams, just as people do.” Soon our association will have a Vision Statement. I encourage all university students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends of Wichita State to help us realize our dreams by lending your support to the WSU Alumni Association.
