Alumni Networks are a great way for alumni to stay engaged with their alma mater, maintain and build new relationships with fellow alumni and represent Embry-Riddle in their local communities. Embry-Riddle has alumni networks in major cities across the globe, which collectively host close to 100 alumni events each year. The university also has affinity networks that are virtual and meet for reunions during homecoming.
Each network is encouraged to sponsor at least three events per year within the following categories.
These events can range from a tour of a local company/airport or a guest speaker presentation on an industry-related topic, to an “Eagle in Action” event, where network members showcase their businesses.
These events can include networking receptions, picnics, brunches/dinners sightseeing cruises, historic area walking tours, visits to museums, etc.
During the month of November each year, all alumni networks and individuals are encouraged to volunteer to make a difference in their local communities. Participants are asked to upload their photos to social media with the hashtag #GoERAU.
The Embry-Riddle Office of Alumni Engagement manages all event electronic invitations. For planning purposes, Network Leaders must complete the eblast request form at least three to four weeks in advance. Alumni, current students, staff, faculty and parents of students/alumni are all invited to alumni events. Alumni networks should work with their local Embry-Riddle Worldwide campuses to invite current students to their network events. For a list of Worldwide Campus sites visit our page with Worldwide Campus locations.
A: Anyone who graduated or who has alumni status (with at least 24 earned credits and in good academic and professional standing) from any of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s campuses can be a member.
A: Yes. Oftentimes a network’s events may draw interest from local aviation industry professionals, or the parent of a prospective or current student. Anyone who feels a strong loyalty to Embry-Riddle and its mission is welcome to attend alumni network events.
A: The Office of Alumni Engagement manages all email communications/invitations for planned events. Network leaders are encouraged to use social media to post events and to post event updates in their network's Facebook group. They may also communicate directly with their existing network members.
A: A representative from the Office of Alumni Engagement will attend all large-scale events (those surrounding national trade/air shows and conventions), and some local events, as the Alumni Engagement budget allows.
A: Network will be permitted to create a Facebook group or page, but they are asked to work with Alumni Engagement to do so. The Office of Alumni Engagement has a fan page and uses this page to broadcast messaging, events, and noteworthy news to its alumni base. However, we utilize Facebook as a platform to reach alumni and bring them back to the official ERAU Alumni website. The Office of Alumni Engagement asks that each network do the same.
A: No. We are a non-dues-paying association, and our networks are not able to collect dues.
A: Network leaders must complete an eblast request form at least six weeks before their planned event. This will ensure that Alumni Engagement's communications team has enough time to build the event invitation email (eblast) and a registration page. This will also give alumni enough advance notice to attend the event.
A: On a case-by-case basis, we review each organized network event and its budget, and determine the level of funding needed to make it a success. Network leaders are encouraged to collect fees from participants to pay for event activities.