University of Connecticut, Alumni Association Records

On 15 June 1888, a meeting was held at the Storrs Agricultural School to form an Alumni Association. Isacc B. Wakeman ’85 was elected as the first president. A list of graduates was read at the first meeting, including six from each of the Classes of 1882, 1884, and 1885 and twenty-nine from 1886, 1887, and 1888 for a total of forty-seven alumni. Dues for the new association were set at $1.

The Association first became interested in supporting students in 1890 as it set up a $10 prize for a member of the graduating class who passed a practical examination before an alumni committee. The Association also appointed a committee to encourage the appointment of an alumnus on the Board of Trustees. The Constitution and By-laws of 1888 were put into print in 1892. Dr. Andrew L. Hyde was appointed the first Alumni Trustee in 1895.

On 15 June 1894, it was voted to change the Association's name to the Alumni Association of the Storrs Agricultural School and College. In 1895, the name was once again changed to the Alumni Association of Storrs Agricultural College.

In 1921 it was voted to have an Alumni Secretary; the position to be funded jointly by the Association and the University. Mr. A. J. Brundage, Class of 1910, was engaged as the first Secretary on a part-time basis. The next Field Secretary was Robert H. Mathewson (1922-1924) who developed an alumni newspaper, The Connecticut Alumnus.

During the early twenties, the By Laws were re-written, and the dues increased to $2 annually or $34 for life membership. In 1933, the Association became the Connecticut State College Alumni Association, and during 1939 the University of Connecticut Alumni Association. Willard Eddy was president of the Alumni Association when the Board of Directors selected George E. Pinckney as Alumni Field Secretary. Mr. Pinckney served twenty-four years as Alumni Secretary.

The Constitution and By Laws were revised in 1961 and dues were increased to $5. The alumni body numbered 24,000 in 1962 when George Pinckney retired and Reuben B. Johnson became the first director of alumni relations. In November 1962, President Babbidge and Reuben Johnson developed a new role for alumni in the establishment of a "Margin for Excellence" program that successfully continues today.

The mission of the Alumni Association is to strengthen lifelong bonds between all members of the UConn family by inspiring pride and providing quality programs and services which enhance the diverse university community.

Additional information about the Association, its activities and officers is available at the Alumni Association homepage.