Ohio University graduates and friends who share common interests, experiences, and connections often form alumni societies. Made up of volunteers, alumni societies are grouped into three categories by college, department or special interest. Examples of active societies include the College of Health and Human Services Society of Alumni and Friends, the ROTC Army Society of Alumni and Friends, and the Cheerleader/Mascot Society of Alumni and Friends.

Societies have the mission of bringing alumni together for the support of our university. Activities include annual meetings, student recruitment events, continuing education opportunities, alumni award programs, football tailgates, hockey reunions, networking and career connections for students. Societies also raise money to establish endowed scholarships, advance student programming, or better the institution.

The members select a board of directors and officers are elected from those volunteers. There is a student representative on each board and most of the colleges and departments have a staff member assigned to work with the alumni board. Ninety percent of the board members should live in the Ohio region and meet on a regular basis. A few of the professional schools have officers throughout the country who volunteer to fly in for board meetings at least twice a year. The rest of the time, far away board members join the meetings via conference call.  

For more information on how to start a society, contact the alumni office by sending an e-mail to alumni@ohio.edu.