Network Volunteers

WashU Network volunteers are the heart and soul of our regional, professional, and shared interest and cultural networks. Volunteers create and maintain ties between the university and its diverse alumni community by planning and managing a wide range of events, such as panel discussions, happy hours, book talks, faculty lectures, community service projects, and sporting or cultural events.

Network volunteers often serve on an executive committee that helps plan, promote, and execute local and regional events open to alumni, parents, and friends of WashU. These events should appeal to the interests of a majority of members, and events typically fall into one or more of the following categories:

• Continuing education and professional development presentations by university faculty, distinguished alumni, friends, and noted local figures
• Showcasing of the strengths and achievements of Washington University, including faculty research and expertise, student accomplishments, academic programs, and service to society
• Civic and community engagement
• Career networking opportunities for alumni and parents to develop their businesses or gather helpful information and advice
• Intellectual, cultural, and social exchanges and opportunities to connect with alumni who share common interests

Network leadership structure

WashU Networks have diverse structures and leadership. Some networks are lead by a single person, and some are lead by an executive committee with many volunteers. The Alumni Association encourages networks to form executive committees because they create opportunities for greater involvement. Also, committee members provide ideas and help with event planning and execution. Executive committees are encouraged to meet at least twice a year and actively recruit new members throughout the year. The committee suggests and recommends activities and divides responsibilities within the group.

Leadership positions

Chairs/Co-chairs 

Chairs are appointed by the Alumni Board of Governors—with input from Advancement staff and network leaders—and serve approximately three years. The chair manages their committee, plans for their succession, presides over meetings, oversees the calendar of events, ensures volunteers are following up with their assignments, and serves as the principal contact between the university and network. Following their last year of service, it is recommended that all past chairs serve as chairs emeriti.   

Young alumni chair

Young alumni chairs are appointed by the Alumni Board of Governors following recommendation by Advancement staff and/or network leaders. The young alumni chair reaches out to new WashU graduates in the area and encourages them to attend alumni activities. The young alumni chair may also plan special events specifically for young alumni. Young Alumni are WashU graduates who have graduated within the past 10 years.

Chair emeritus

The chair emeritus may provide advice about events, offer valuable standby service in case of an unexpected vacancy, give historical perspective on the network’s past efforts, and mentor a new chair or executive committee member. 

Optional subcommittees

WashU Engage Chair

Responsible for identifying opportunities for civic engagement in their community and region.

Communications Chair

Responsible for maintaining social media channels and working with Alumni Relations to promote upcoming events.

Events Chair

Responsible for identifying local and regional opportunities for network events.  

Committee Members 

Depending on the size of the network, an executive committee may have anywhere between two and ten committee members at-large. These members are instrumental in suggesting ideas for programs, serving as the contact for network events, and/or assisting in event planning.