Alumni Association plans fundraisers

A college coffee brand, consumer discounts, insurance plans and an e-waste recycling drive join perpetual fundraising on the Alumni Association's agenda.

The association is working to build membership and awareness of the benefits of membership, Kathryn Armstrong, coordinator of special projects, said.

Membership dues are $10 for current students and $20 for students of other district colleges, alumni, faculty and staff.

The first year is free to new graduates.

Jittery Joe's Superior coffee, SAC 1925 blend, commemorating the college's 85th anniversary next year, is sold on the alumni Web page for $12.99 per 12 oz. can with $2 of the sale funding scholarships.

The benefits of membership include access to www.savingsconnections.com, which offers coupons for items such as groceries and travel accommodations.

"The coupon savings in one week alone could cover the amount spent on membership dues," Armstrong said.

With the association ID card, members will receive free admission to the planetarium as well as a discount at L&M Bookstore.

Bookstore manager Pat Puig said, "Members will be given a 10 percent discount on any non-textbook purchases."

The association is also connecting members with affinity groups offering medical and renter's insurance, as well as tuition reimbursement programs at a considerable discount.

The reimbursement program pays students back the cost of tuition should they become ill and have to drop out during a semester, provided they have proof from a physician.

Also, when a policy is purchased through one of the affinity groups, a portion of the proceeds goes into the scholarship fund.

They are also working on a number of projects including a coffee brand and a recycling fundraiser.

In response to a recent article in the San Antonio Express-News headlined, "E-waste is piling up across the U.S.," the association is going green by sponsoring a recycling fundraiser. Armstrong said, "This issue is current, relevant, and we're on top of it."

Bins will be set up around campus where students can donate old electronic items, including iPods, laptops, cameras, radar detectors, printer ink cartridges and cell phones, which will profit the association.

As coordinator of special projects, she also helps students at the Magic Closet, sponsored by the alumni association and the Network Power group, which provides women with interview apparel, including black clothing for mortuary science students.

"The Magic Closet assisted approximately 40 women after the grand opening last fall," she said.

This project is in constant need of donations, which can be made directly to the Catholic Student Center, or to Armstrong in Room 305D of Fletcher Administration Center.

The association's ultimate goal is to give students a lifelong lasting connection to San Antonio College.

For more information or inquiries concerning membership, call Armstrong at 486-0904.