Alumni Leadership Conference Recap (part one)

This year, the Alumni Leadership Conference featured fellow USC volunteers and alumni group leaders, when hundreds from across the nation and around the world return to campus to fortify their leadership skills, exchange ideas and strengthen their Trojan Family ties.  The USC Alumni Association again welcomes volunteer leaders and staff from the university's alumni organizations -- including regional clubs; women's, generational and multicultural groups; school-based organizations; and athletic groups.

Trojan Junior Auxiliary was lucky enough to have remarkable representation at the Conference this year.  Current President Ashley lead a group including Past-Presidents Carina and Janine, Special Project Chair Randyn (also attending as the President of the USC Alumni Club of San Gabriel Valley) and new member Megan!

After introductions and presentations by Elizabeth Garrett, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, and Albert R. Checcio, senior vice president for university advancement, the whole conference headed to Bovard Auditorium to celebrate the University Campaign announcement of six billion dollars!  

The celebration featured a convocation with USC President C. L. Max Nikias, a message from campaign volunteer leadership, and student and faculty presentations and performances, which were wonderful and awe-inspiring.  Musical interludes were performed by the USC Big Band, featuring the significant other of one of our own TJAers!  It is a great time to be a Trojan!

For a special treat to cap off the celebration, the Trojan Marching Band entertained the crowd.  Then it was time for a picnic lunch in Alumni Park.

The lines of course were very long, but people were eager to get to the hamburgers, greek salad, macaroni and beans provided by USC.  There were even ice cream freezers scattered about so everyone could enjoy a treat after lunch!

Finally, the Alumni Leadership Conference continued it's programming with afternoon breakout sessions.  Members of TJA split up to experience different ones to report back- those reports will be added later to this blog.  They included:

• Personalizing Communications in the Internet Era
• Events Showcase: Learn How Events Can Maximize Your Mission
• Sustaining Success:  How to Keep Successful Events and Organizations Fresh and Interesting Year after Year
• Leveraging Social Media to enhance Your Communications Strategy

 Finally, the afternoon concluded with a Leadership Master Class before guests were excused to leave or join the USC Alumni Association at the Volunteer Recognition Dinner Cocktail Reception located in Town and Gown.

The conference was a great chance to meet other leaders from across the country and see how they handled common problems such as membership retention, fundraising and social events.  The members of TJA had a wonderful and informative time and hopefully will be able to implement much of the information we received!