Fairfield University launches Online Community

Fairfield University launches Online Community

Fairfield University has launched an Online Community for its alumni at http://www.fairfield.edu/alumnicommunity. This new alumni service offers tools and tips to support Fairfield's graduates professionally and encourage their ongoing relationship with the University and each other. A joint effort by the Offices of Alumni Relations, Development, and Public Relations, the site went live on May 3, 2006, and is off to a strong start with its inaugural group of members.

In less than a week, more than 2,500 members have registered, updating thousands of alumni records. "It's clear that Fairfield's alumni are looking for ways to connect with each other," says Julianna Coyle Davis '94, director of advancement technology and development relations and chair of the online community's core implementation team. "When we heard from a 1994 grad serving in the Peace Corps in the Tongan Islands of the South Pacific, we realized this service can help our alumni feel back 'at home' wherever they happen to be right now."

While membership is currently available and free to alumni only, the Online Community will extend to other appropriate constituents in time. Features include: online class notes, where alumni can post news and photos; an alumni directory; entrepreneurial yellow pages listing alumni-owned products and services; and a career center for resumŽs and job opportunities. To come are e-newsletters, online registration for alumni events, and electronic transcript requests.

Today's technology offers exciting new ways to strengthen the relationship between Fairfield and its alumni, Davis believes. "As technology advances, so does our ability to reach out to our constituents," Davis says. "With more focused communication enhanced by images, we can tell our story better and their story better. Users can delve deeper into whatever interests them - all in their own time and space."

Fairfield University's Online Community adds another dimension of communication and connection to its public website, www.fairfield.edu, which rolled out a new design and enhanced capabilities in February 2005.

Posted On: 05-12-2006 10:05 AM

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