9A--Mike+Little+Alumni+Affairs

Meeting with Mike Little, Director of Alumni Affairs December 9th, 2011

Mike is also an alumni of King, Class of 2002

Background – Kings relationship with its alumni is complicated. The merger of the 4 schools over time, and a lack of communication around that process, left some alumni with bitter feelings about King, even though most had very positive experiences at King. The four schools were finally merged in 1989, so in a way the “purest” feedback will come from alumni in the classes post 1990.


 * King Culture – Diversity**

__Strengths__

King is supportive of all students. Being in Stamford, a more diverse town in the county, is an advantage in attracting students. King is improving its marketing to a more diverse (in all aspects) applicant population.

__Weaknesses__

Many great students still cannot afford King. Some of our peer schools have more resources to offer financial aid. Teachers could be more aware of economic differences in students. Mike cited a Spanish class where the students had to make a video tour of their home in Spanish. That well-intentioned exercise caused a student with a smaller home to feel uncomfortable.

__Opportunity__

Now that we have improved the infrastructure, we need to focus on the softer issues from a capital perspective. More dedicated scholarship funding will allow King to admit a more economically diverse pool.

__Threats__

Many of our peer schools have very deep pockets.


 * King Culture – Community Service**

__Strengths__

For many alumni, the community service events are some of the most memorable moments of their time at King. Mike thinks very fondly of the Midnight Run and the Habitat for Humanity events at King.

Students at King like to help others.

__Weaknesses__

King needs to be more consistent in our approach to community service. It can be too spasmodic. Part of that is due to shifting priorities at King.

__Opportunities__

Selling a school that wants to help others resonates with alumni and potential applicants. We need to market our focus more effectively. It may help to raise alumni financial support.


 * King Culture –Service Learning**

__Strengths__

Students respond to well integrated service learning opportunities. King’s service learning activities are relatively new, so the alumni don’t have much experience or impressions.

__Opportunities__

King is in transition on developing a service learning program well integrated into the curriculum. “We are on the right track” but need to go further.

__Weaknesses__

Service learning activities need to be more frequent in all divisions.


 * Next Steps**

Mike is going to think of a few other alumni for us to interview.