Oberlin College. Alumni Association

The history of the Alumni Association of Oberlin College falls into three phases: 1839-1920, 1920-1970, and 1970 to date. The Association of the Alumni of the Oberlin "Collegiate Institute" was founded in 1839. The Association conducted no formal activities during these early years, but did attempt to raise funds for the college and recruit students. Until 1845, membership was by application only and included just graduates of the Collegiate branch until 1890 when students from the Theology School were admitted. Beginning in 1904 an alumni magazine was published. In 1920, a new constitution reorganized the structure of the Alumni Association; what followed was an organization that was more structured and active in soliciting member involvement. The Association also sponsored the election of an alumni trustee to sit on the College's Board of Trustees. The administrative management of the Association was vested in an elected Alumni Council. In 1945, the constitution established a system of elections that assured a balance of men and women from all alumni generations among fifteen elected at-large members of the Alumni Council. During this time, an effort was made to improve class and club programs, and to involve more alumni. The 1970 constitution saw the elimination of all elected officers, except for the president who could appoint officers at his/her discretion. The 1980s saw the initiation of new programs such as ACTION (Alumni Campaign to Involve Oberlinians Now) and the Black Alumni Association. Both of these efforts were to lead to an increase in alumni involvement.