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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (May 2, 2000)
I CAMPUS' Entrance Alumni Association links graduates to the university By Michelle Starr Staff writer Just because graduates have their diplomas does not mean they have to put the University of Nebraska Lincoln behind them. Graduates can sign up to become members of the Alumni Association. In six or seven chapters in Nebraska, and about 50 throughout the country, the Nebraska Alumni Association is keeping UNL graduates informed about their alma mater, said Shelly Zaborowski, director of student programs at the Alumni Association. Graduates, such as Mike Zalman, a 1992 graduate and coordinator of the Star City Alumni Chapter in Lincoln, think the association is worthwhile. “It was just the proper thing to do,” Zalman said. The association provides a way for alumni to support students and give back to the school, he said. Star City Chapter members deliv ered free pizza to students working on homecoming displays and have a table set up during Husker Huddles at the Wick Alumni Center, Zalman said. Kiersten Hill, a 1997 graduate from Hastings and member of the Central Nebraska Chapter of the Alumni Association that meets in Grand Island, said she had wonderful memories of college life, so it was important for her to stay in touch with activities at UNL. She said it was exciting and impor tant to her to hear about the changes happening on campus. The Central Nebraska Chapter has only been active for about three years, Hill said. In that time it has organized migra tions to home and away football and basketball games, arranged to have the Scarlet and Cream Singers perform and many other events, she said. Hill said without the association, it would be difficult to know what was going on. With a membership to the associa tion, which is free for the first year, alumni will receive the Nebraska Magazine, a quarterly publication, The Good News, a biannual publication, and a subscription to the newsletter of the college the graduate received his or her degree from. The publications are aimed at keeping alumni informed of events at UNL. Zaborowski said graduates who accept jobs outside of Lincoln are more likely to want a membership because they have a greater need to stay in touch. Among the more active out-of state organizations include chapters in Washington, D.C., Kansas City, Arizona and Chicago, she said. Other than the publications, mem bers also will receive special invita tions to UNL activities, die opportuni ty to buy football tickets and a discount card for local businesses, Zaborowski said. Much more is received than special deals, she said. “You’re not joining for the benefits but rather just for supporting things at the university,” Zaborowski said. Prospective members have a vari ety of payment methods to choose from for membership, she said. A membership for the first year out of college is free, the second year is $15 and $35 each additional year is $35. For students who wait to join, it costs $35 a year, or $45 per couple. A lifetime membership is available for $500, or $600 per couple. This pay ment can be made in installments over five years, Zaborowski said. The money from membership dues goes toward programs such as the Scarlet and Cream Singers, the Cather Circle and Master’s Week. Zalman said the price is worth it. Hill agreed. “I can’t think of a better way for me to stay in touch with the university,” Hill said, “and for me to know what’s going on on campus.” Take this Test, Receive a $50 Certificate! ISN'T LEARNING FUN? 2000 Cavalier* Z24 Coupe. Some optional equipment shown. $1,500 Manufacturer’s Cash Rebate* ♦ $600 College Grad** $2,100 CASH BACK The dou»JtflEr Test Drive’ In college or about to graduate? 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Michelle Trembley, host at the Holiday Inn Downtown’s Green Mill restaurant, said that on busy nights, each area might have a few more people working. un weekends sucn as graduation when the hotel is booked, she said the hotel also employs a few extra clerks. “We’ll probably have two or three extra people on hand each shift, tending bar or serving tables,” Trembley said. Wages aren’t the only extra money staff might expect, she said. “We make better money on holi days and special occasions,” Trembley said. “There are more customers, and also people tend to tip more.” Jerry Barnes, general manager at the Cornhusker Hotel, said these types of weekends do cause an increase in their revenue. “Graduation weekend is a real heavy weekend,” he said. “We are booked 100 percent, as far as rooms go, on Friday and Saturday night” When compared to an average weekend, where booking is at about 75 percent, Barnes estimates that through room rates alone, the hotel will bring in an additional $ 15,000 to $20,000. He said they also are booked with more receptions and banquets. While most tourist dollars go toward lodging and dining, other money is spent on graduatioa Although it is not a large portion of its revenue, Stan Vala, general manager at the Nebraska Bookstore, said that graduation does offer a little extra money. “Our biggest days are home foot . ball days,” he said, “We don’t see a whole lot of additional business on graduation weekend. Before then though, we do sell cards and graduate gifts and souvenirs.”