Graduates taking a pass on UMass: Alumni association membership lagging

The Boston Globe reports:

Alumni of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst network over business breakfasts, powwow at power lunches, and toast their college years at tailgate parties. But in startling numbers, they are steering clear of joining the school's alumni association.


Just 3 percent of graduates of the state university's flagship campus belong to the association. The paltry membership pales in comparison to that at most universities across the country and signals a sharp divide between UMass graduates and their alma mater's campaign to further involve them in university life.

The issue goes beyond attendance at football games and events at such places as the University of Massachusetts Club in downtown Boston, many graduates say. It carries implications for the university's ability to raise money, gain political clout, recruit students, and enhance UMass's image as it seeks to reach the upper echelon of public universities nationally.

"It's enormous in building the constituency of the university," said Mike DeMattia, a Norwood resident and past alumni association member who let his membership lapse three years ago. Low membership hurts the university's ability to promote its interests, he said.

Not everyone wants to be a lobbyist for shaking down the taxpayers.