An assessment of the functions of the Kansas University Alumni and Endowment Associations and their value to the University of Kansas

Abstract

This study serves to highlight the fact that the University of Kansas was born out of philanthropy, and that even today private donations represent an important source of support for the operation of the University. Strong alumni and endowment programs help to enrich the institution by building a base of support with key groups and individuals who want to help. The fact that there exists a tradition giving to the University of Kansas, and that alumni and friends remain loyal to the institution, has insured the survival of the University.

Endowment and alumni programs are essentially public relations functions. To learn how the Alumni and Endowment offices maintain relationships with those individuals and groups that in tangible and intangible ways contribute to the University, inter- views were conducted with the staff and key officers at each organization. To see how each organization helps perpetuate the University, this thesis examines key programs of each office and the relationship of each office to the other and to the University. A threefold question underlies the purpose of this thesis: what is the nature of the reciprocal relationship between the Endowment and Alumni Associations, what is the nature of the contributions the two offices make to the University, and is there any problem in that regard? The assumption is that the two associations share a common goal and that their functions serve to enhance the reputation of the University through building a wide base of support among alumni and friends.