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Cougar Tales: Director's Cut (June 2015) 

Alumni Chapter Involvement 

What are Alumni Chapters? 

Alumni Chapters are established, volunteer-led alumni groups in 39 cities around the world, and one is probably near you. You can find a list of chapters here. Alumni Chapters are your ticket to reminiscing about college days, networking with local Cougars, giving back to your alma mater, and connecting with your alumni community. And the best part is you’re automatically enrolled as a member if you live within the zip codes that comprise your alumni chapter’s metropolitan statistical area (MSA); there’s nothing you have to do to join other than making sure the Alumni Office has your current mailing address and email.  You can update your profile online by logging into your MyCofC account (not MyCharleston) here. 

What do Alumni Chapters do? 

Chapters aren’t just a means for socialization.  They provide opportunities for all alumni to become informed advocates for the College. In addition to social events, Chapters assist the Admissions Office by hosting regional send-off receptions for incoming freshmen, volunteering with the PAWWS program (Parents and Alumni Working With Students), and assisting with recruitment at college fairs.

Chapters host a variety of events, and here are just a few examples of recent and upcoming events around the country:

• Partnering with a local horse race
• Picnic and games at a local food truck festival
• Summer social at a local hot spot
• MLB pre-game rooftop party and baseball game
• BBQ dinner at a favorite restaurant
• “Get to Know You Bingo” gathering with prizes
• Live music at an outdoor venue
• Local brewery tour and social

How can you get more involved? 

Many chapters are in need of additional volunteers to assist with creating events and programs. These volunteers work with the Alumni Office to stay informed on what’s going on at the College and then help educate local alumni. They are the go-between for the College and the alumni body and are invaluable to campus.  

Don’t want to hold a leadership position, but want to be more connected? 

Please feel free to attend ANY chapter event in ANY city. Nearly all chapter events have a dedicated RSVP event website so you can let us know in advance that you’re planning to be at a specific event. A list of upcoming chapter events can be found here. You can also stay up-to-date through social media by joining your alumni chapter's Facebook page.

New to your area?

All of our events are created to be welcoming, so you should never hesitate to attend an event alone. The best way to feel more connected to the College and your local community is to attend chapter events and meet other local CofC alumni.  We have an engaging and influential alumni network just waiting for you to plug in.  We look forward to seeing you.

Jack Huguley '72 
Director of Alumni Relations
College of Charleston
huguleyj@cofc.edu