SWDAA Committees

Purpose: This committee focuses on supporting students, promoting academic excellence, and managing financial aid opportunities provided by the association.

Primary Goals:

1. Scholarship Management: Develop, promote, and oversee the application, selection, and awarding process for all association scholarships and grants given to current students.

2. Academic Support: Coordinate programs (e.g., tutoring, mentoring, career panels) that connect alumni expertise with current students' academic and professional needs.

3. Educational Outreach: Identify and support educational initiatives within the school that align with the association's mission.

Suggested Size: 4-6 Members

Purpose: This committee is the backbone of social interaction and membership growth, focusing on creating meaningful opportunities for alumni to connect with each other and the association.

Primary Goals:

1. Event Planning: Conceptualize, organize, and execute a diverse calendar of events (social gatherings, professional networking, family activities) that appeal to various demographics within the alumni base.

2. Membership Growth: Strategize and implement initiatives to recruit new members and encourage membership renewals.

3. Member Retention: Develop programs or communication strategies that enhance the value of membership and keep current members active and engaged.

4. Communication: Work closely with the board/communications team to ensure events and membership opportunities are effectively publicized.

Suggested Size: 6-8 Members

Purpose: This committee is essential for ensuring the financial health and sustainability of the alumni association and its programs, particularly scholarships and community support.

Primary Goals:

1. Annual Giving: Plan and execute the annual fundraising campaign to solicit unrestricted gifts from alumni and friends.

2. Major Gift Solicitation: Identify and cultivate relationships with alumni and donors capable of making significant contributions.

3. Sponsorships: Seek out corporate or external sponsors for specific association events or programs.

4. Stewardship: Ensure donors are appropriately acknowledged, thanked, and informed about the impact of their contributions.

Suggested Size: 5-7 Members

Purpose: This committee focuses on maintaining strong, diverse, and capable leadership within the alumni association by managing the process of electing new board members and officers.

Primary Goals:

1. Recruitment: Actively seek out and identify qualified, committed, and diverse alumni candidates for leadership positions on the board and as officers.

2. Vetting and Slate Development: Review candidate applications/nominations and create the official slate of nominees for the election.

3. Election Management: Oversee the entire election process, ensuring it is fair, transparent, and adheres to the association's bylaws.

4. Leadership Development: Encourage and prepare alumni for future leadership roles within the association.

Suggested Size: 3-5 Members

Purpose: This committee acts as the primary liaison between the alumni association, the school administration/staff, and the broader community, ensuring alignment and shared support.

Primary Goals:

1. School Liaison: Maintain a strong, cooperative working relationship with the school principal, staff, and relevant student groups to understand their needs and identify areas where alumni can provide support.

2. Community Partnership: Establish and maintain relationships with local businesses, non-profits, and community organizations to explore opportunities for collaboration (e.g., volunteer days, joint events).

3. Public Image: Promote the positive impact of the alumni association's activities to the school, alumni body, and the general public.

4. Volunteer Coordination: Organize and deploy alumni volunteers for school- or community-based projects and events.

Suggested Size: 4-6 Members