Merriam Webster defines "alumnus" as "a person who has attended or has graduated from a particular school, college, or university," the plural of which is "alumni." Here at Macalester, we use the gender-neutral term "alum" to refer to individual alumni - but what does it mean to be a Mac alum?
It's a special club, and your membership is free and forever. Unlike some schools that charge dues to be part of an alumni organization, all Mac graduates have access to Mac alumni resources, events, and connections free, and for the rest of your life. It may not seem as important now when you're spending the majority of your time with Mac folks, but you may find yourself missing certain parts of Macalester culture and values after you graduate. Mac will always be here for you - and here are some of the traditions, connections, and resources that will become available for you.
Mac in Your City
Each fall, Macalester alumni across the globe gather (in person or virtually) for Mac in Your City. This tradition started as a way to welcome new grads to the Mac community, but also serve as an important and meaningful touchpoint for Mac alumni of all ages. Attending a Mac in Your City gathering is a great way to connect with the larger Mac community where you are, make social and professional connections, and be reminded of the energy of Macalester - something you may find yourself missing once you graduate. Between 30-60 alumni volunteer as Mac in Your City hosts each year - if you don't see a gathering where you live, you can start one! Link to the Mac in Your City website.
Reunion
The largest alumni gathering of the year is, by far, Reunion weekend. During the first weekend in June, alumni return to campus to celebrate milestone Reunions - 5th, 10th, 15th, etc, through 50th and beyond - as well as to gather together with alumni of all class years. All are welcome to attend Reunion as an alum the summer of your graduation; Alumni Engagement also hires a large student and recent grad crew to work Reunion. Over 100 alumni volunteer on Reunion planning committees each year. Reunion traditions include the Alumni Awards ceremony, the Golden Scots induction (for members of the 50th Reunion), and the Great Mac Get Together aka the Martini Tent on the Great Lawn. Link to the Reunion website.
"As someone who's been to Reunion as both alumni and staff, I think of it as a form of time travel - with one foot
in the person we were at Mac, and one foot in the person we are today." - Neely Heubach '06
yMac (young Macalester Alumni Connect) is both a volunteer committee and a vibrant Facebook group by and for young Mac alumni, defined as those who graduated in the past ten years.
In addition to yMac, there are different alumni chapters and affinity groups that help alumni connect with each other based on shared geography or identity. These groups are created and maintained by alumni volunteers with the support of the Alumni Engagement office, and activities range from maintaining Facebook groups to holding regular events, Book Clubs to service projects. If you find yourself missing Mac folks, getting engaged with your local chapter is a great way to reconnect.
There are currently active chapters in the following cities, states, and countries:
Boston
Colorado
Los Angeles
New Orleans
Portland, OR
Seattle
Chicago
Cyprus
London
New York City
Bay Area
Washington, DC
Baltimore
You can always start a new chapter if there isn't one in your area!
If you're interested in connecting with Mac alumni around shared identity or experience, here are the current active identity and affinity groups:
Alumni of Color Collective
Scots Pride (LGBTQIA+)
I'm First @ Mac (First Gen)
M Club (Varsity Athletes)
As an alum, you will have access to some special resources and benefits, including:
MacDirect, the online alumni database - which includes advanced search functions and groups
JSTOR and Project Muse access (through MacDirect)
Career Exploration services (comprehensive services for first five years)
Pre-COVID, new grads also received a free alumni library card and free membership to the Leonard Center for the first year out. We don't know what the future holds, but we will let you know.