About The University of Utah Alumni Association
Linking You with the U
The mission of the University of Utah Alumni Association is to support the University’s pursuit of excellence by forging and preserving lifelong relationships with alumni, students, and the community.
A Brief History of the Alumni Association
The University of Utah Alumni Association (UUAA) was founded in 1886 by a small group of “normal” teaching alumni—the only graduates the University could claim at the time (a “normal school” was the term used in the late 1800s and early 1900s for an institution that specialized in training public school teachers)—who wanted to promote general interest in education and strengthen ties with the University and each other.
Orson Howard was the first president; B.H. Roberts was the first vice president. Early objectives included establishing regional alumni clubs, publishing a directory of all graduates, sponsoring class reunions every five years, publishing a magazine for alumni, and establishing an annual alumni-giving plan.
Now, after more than 100 years of involvement with the University, the UUAA continues to develop new programs and ways to serve alumni and students. Guided by a Board of Directors, the Association includes four unique affiliates: the Emeritus Alumni Board, Young Alumni Board, Student Alumni Board, and Beehive Honor Society. Each is governed by its own by-laws and led by alumni volunteer board members and officers.
The role of the Alumni Association has expanded significantly since its founding, becoming an integral part of the University campus community and acting as a bridge to the local and national communities. The Association provides opportunities for its alumni volunteers to participate in community service projects, to raise scholarships for students, to advocate to the state legislature on behalf of the University in particular and higher education in general, and to join other graduates in alumni chapter activities across the country.
Membership in the Alumni Association affords special benefits (available only to dues-paying members). In turn, members give back to the University and its students by supporting the Association’s initiatives and programs, including the student scholarship fund, which awards more than $100,000 each year to deserving students.
Frequently Asked Questions
The University of Utah Alumni Association is located in the Alumni House on the U of U campus, 155 South Central Campus Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112; phone (801) 581-6995; fax (801) 581-3711. The Alumni House is northeast of the Olpin Union and directly north of the Sill Center. (Please refer to the campus map for directions.) Visitor parking is available in the lot just east of the Union Building. Our mailing address is P.O. Box 581198, Salt Lake City, UT 84158-1198.
All graduates of the U of U are alumni/ae, but to become a member of the Alumni Association you must enroll and pay a modest annual fee of $36. The advantages? As a dues-paying member you not only support the Association’s programs, you also receive a number of benefits, such as discounts on tickets to theater and athletic events, bookstore purchases, use of campus facilities, and rental of the Alumni House. Ask Lindsay Allen about joining the Association (801-581-3857), or go directly to the enrollment form.
Personalized plates are available for an annual tax-deductible donation of $30. All proceeds go to the Alumni General Scholarship fund. For details, talk to Lindsay Allen, (801) 581-3895, or visit license plates.
The Alumni House is available for rental to individuals and entities on and off campus (members of the Association receive a discount). It is an ideal location for meetings, conferences, workshops, receptions, luncheons, weddings, and anniversary and other celebrations. (See photos of the facility and a virtual tour here). For further details, or to arrange rental, contact Brooke Musat, (801) 581-6995.
The Alumni Association is staffed by an efficient, friendly bunch of folk who specialize in question-answering and problem-solving. Don’t hesitate to contact anyone on the staff list, or call (801) 581-6995 for information.
