Signed, sealed, delivered.
That is the fate of 8,355 notes over the last few years from Alumni to incoming students via the Write-A-Mountain Lion initiative, a partnership between the Alumni and Friends Association and Enrollment Management.
The project emerged in 2020 as a way to connect with students during the pandemic. Alumni volunteers, including UCCS faculty and staff members, penned the notes by hand on pre-addressed envelopes and stationery provided by the offices. This year, 102 alum around the country, ranging in class years from 1971 to 2021, sacrificed their hand muscles to write 2,655 notes to new students.
“It’s great to offer these interesting alumni volunteer opportunities,” said Lisa Bartholme, Assistant Director of Alumni and Friends Association, “and create a personal touchpoint in a virtual world.”
Bartholme noted that the project seemed like a large undertaking when first starting, but it had a quick turnaround with so many willing volunteers.
One such volunteer is Steve Parker, Vice Chair of the School of Public Affairs (SPA) Advisory Board and SPA alum, who enjoyed getting the opportunity to connect with the incoming students.
“I was honored to participate in the ‘Write-A-Mountain Lion’ project. What a great opportunity to welcome new students to their next chapter of life as they pursue their educational and life goals at UCCS,” Parker said.
The Alumni and Friends Association hopes to continue the tradition in the following years, so keep it in mind if you’re UCCS alumni.
Learn more about the Office of Alumni Relations and Office of Admissions online.