The alumni advantage: seeking to bolster alumni support and involvement, schools are building impressive 'homes' for their alumni - Facilities - Cover Story

University Business, Jan, 2004 by Alana Klein

4. What is our mission? The committee should prepare a preliminary program that spells out the overarching mission and goals for the facility, along with a list of functions to be accommodated. The program is crucial because it is a basis for communicating with the architect. It should convey the passions of the alumni association and explain what people value about their alma mater and what will bring them back to campus.

5. How do we find the right architect? The architect selection process should comprise several steps and should include the entire building committee of the alumni association as well as university facilities representatives. These individuals should build an initial list of about 10 architects (or firms), all of which should be required to submit an Essence of the Project Statement, in addition to their qualifications. A short list of perhaps three should be invited for interviews as a basis for selection, with fee negotiation to follow.

6. How do we define what we want? With the architect on board, a thorough programming process should begin, which includes interviews with leaders of various staff and volunteer committees, as well as regularly scheduled meetings with the building committee. At these meetings, the architect will take the committee's first ideas on functional needs and flesh them out with alternative suggestions for a wide array of concerns including flexibility of space, spatial techniques for promoting sociability, and integration of technology. This is a very creative part of the process and key in determining the particular character of the university's alumni center. Practical information on size and quantity of space, as well as required amenities, should be included in the final written program.

7. How do we determine a budget? Another crucial part of programming is to determine the quality level of the building, in order to arrive at a budget figure. If the center is to be an effective vehicle for involving alumni in the life of the university and increasing their support, it is likely to be more expensive per square foot than many other university buildings.

8. How do we achieve consensus? As designs for the building progress through more and more detailed phases, it is important for the building committee and the architect to present updates to broad groups of constituencies to assure buy-in. Dissent must be accommodated and conflicts resolved. Because building an alumni center is about creating a community, a generous and open spirit throughout the design process is key to creating enthusiasm and support.

9. How do we optimize fundraising efforts? To keep everyone involved and excited, there should be a steady stream of public relations activities throughout the design process. Techniques can include special presentations of design details (such as furniture and signage) to small alumni groups, or updates of building plans on the alumni association website. The architect should be prepared to incorporate amenities throughout the design process, as donor interest increases.