Focus Group Results

Houston, March 3-4

West Texas A&M University alumni in the Houston area came together recently to discuss the most effective ways the University can prepare for a successful second century of education and service. Graduates of the last 50 years talked about WTAMU memories, the common interest to stay connected to each other, contribution preferences, the chartering of local alumni chapters and the best forms of media for WT to deliver its message. The focus group gathered crucial information that will be compiled to create positive advancement throughout WTAMU.

The Houston participants in both groups shared memories of WT being safe, warm and friendly, as well as a place with quality professors and where lifetime friendships were made. Staying connected with other alumni was a desire emphasized by all, and each group said they welcomed WT outreach efforts. The alumni preferred to contribute to academic endowments that support students and professors and to programs that support building endowments to maintain facilities and keep WT competive.

Memory of being a Buff:

WT gave me a scholarship and an opportunity to be the first in my family to go to college. Mark

WT was a safe haven for me; it was a place for me to go and grow. Kelly

WT was a very pleasant, friendly and warm experience; I knew everyone on campus. Mark

WT was a place that allowed me to become an adult. Kelly

Friday night dances in the Student Union building were a great way to build campus energy. Mark

Perception of WT today:

I have a romantic view of a beautiful campus on the plains. Judith

It continues to be the same friendly atmosphere; you know everyone and students still smile and wave. Dhaval

WT's role continues to be a school for first generation college students. Mark

What does an alumni want to know?

I want to know who in Houston is an alumnus. Judith

Help alumni to connect with other alumni to share resumes, information. Kelly

Has WT been a good steward of its resources? Carolyn

The West Texan should feature accomplishments of alumni as well as donors. Mark

Profile professors and their interests and credentials. Kelly

Keep me informed about things that are happening on the campus. Mark

How would you want to know?

Give alumni a selection-paper or email. Dhaval

Use the website for current information. Mark

How frequently would you like to hear?

Send information quarterly. Judith

Provide monthly updates on progress at WT. Kelly

I want to have regular alumni networking and active alumni in Houston. Judith

Fundraising Priorities?

I would like to see something innovative, like alternative energy. Carolyn

Create a facility endowment to maintain buildings. Keep them current and attractive. Dhaval

Academics are important, but the facilities, common areas and dorms are essential. Judith

Memory of being a Buff:

My longtime friends are from WT. I stay in touch with friends from my fraternity and from sports. Mike

I grew up on campus in faculty housing, it was a safe place to live and grow up. Becky

I went to class in a suit, tie and fedora, and then went to work. Bob

I transferred in from Chicago in 1969, Dr. Thompson questioned if I would wear bellbottoms and long hair. John

The museum was a place my father would take his high school students, a highlight was visiting campus and hearing stories about Charlie, the original buffalo. Mike

Perception of WT today:

I was impressed by the level of activity of the student government at WT. It was an active, independant, well-run and engaged council. John

WT has always been affordable. Mike

It should be emphasized that you can have a relationship with a real professor, not a grad student. John

WT is the leading Agribusiness school in Texas. Mike

What does an alumni want to know?

Show what it looks like today and what is happening. What's new? Bob

Provide us with a map or virtual tour of the campus. John

Highlight new buildings and planned improvements, and what programs are being added. Karen

Send me an annual review of the student demographics and WT programs. Mike

Offer social opportunities to meet old friends. Becky

How would you want to know?

Focus on digital information, like the website. Mike

Send PDF's and enewsletters. Bob

Give options for traditional or digital information. Becky

Build local alumni chapters for local networking and events. Mike

How frequently would you like to hear?

Quarterly is just right. Do it regularly. Bob

Annual reports and then quarterly updates. Mike

I would like a quarterly printed item with monthly updates on the website. Becky

Fundraising Priorities?

Student housing and amenities are vital to campus life. John

Academic buildings support student learning. Karen

Amenities and state of the art buildings are critical for enrollment. Becky

Campus amenities are what attract enrollment. WT must be competitve with its facilities. John

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