8:28 a.m., Jan. 27, 2010----The University of Delaware Alumni Association (UDAA) has completed the first phase of its strategic planning process to help align the association with the strategic plans of UD, the Path to Prominence^TM strategic plan and the Office of Alumni Relations.

THIS STORY

E-mail

Print

Twitter

An outside consultant, Mergence Consulting, has been hired to lead the association through this process to insure that its objectives, programs, activities, events and scholarships appropriately benefit UD alumni and the University.

During phase one, board members met on campus in December for an all-day session to discuss the organization's passions, values, vision and mission statements and to complete a thorough strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis. Several strategic objectives for future implementation developed from the day's discussions.

Twenty-two board members were in attendance, including the entire UDAA Executive Committee.

UDAA President Alan Brayman, who graduated in 1973, said he was thrilled with the energy and professionalism of his fellow board members.

“Everyone took time from their busy work schedules and contributed in creating a written strategic plan document that will provide direction for the future goals and objectives of the association,” Brayman said. “During the all-day session the talented and diverse members of the board created a fantastic vision and mission statement and a list of strategic objectives and values that will guide the UDAA for many years. This strategic planning initiative will insure that we align our association goals and objectives with UD's Path to Prominence. "

Prior to the all-day session, a survey was sent to approximately 14,500 alumni asking for their input on a variety of topics including alumni engagement and communications, functions of the UDAA, membership dues and alumni events. The data collected was used to help guide the board when trying to determine the future of the organization and the needs and wants of UD alumni.

All survey participants were entered into a drawing and two winners were randomly selected to receive a $100 Visa gift card. The UDAA congratulates winners Wenny Katzenstein, a 1997 graduate, and Cheryl Hendry, a 2003 graduate, and thanks them for their support.

Mergence Consulting has also been retained to complete the second phase of the strategic planning process, which includes developing a roadmap for initiating the strategic objectives outlined in the first phase. Measurable initiatives, timeframes and accountability are an important part of this plan.

A UDAA report card will also be created and used at each quarterly board meeting to help the Association gauge whether or not the initiatives, priorities and objectives are being met or if changes need to be made to keep things on track. Phase two should be completed by the end of February.

The association is also considering a third phase that will include a large-scale revision to the current UDAA bylaws.

For more information about the UD Alumni Association, including the full list of board members and how to get involved, visit the Web site.