Background Information

Andover Alumni Council – Background Information

The Alumni Council was founded in 1946 and is the governing body of the Andover-Abbot Alumni Association. As such, the Council’s purpose is to:

  • provide advice and counsel to the Academy, both on request and at its own initiative, particularly on matters relating to education, administration, admission, financial aid, athletics, alumni affairs, and communication between and among the Academy, its alumni, and the external community;
  • help the Trustees and administration raise annual and capital funds for the Academy; and promote beneficial relations, especially by serving as a liaison between alumni and the Academy and by strengthening connections among alumni.
  • promote beneficial relations, especially by serving as a liaison between alumni and the Academy and by strengthening connections among alumni.

The Council includes approximately 140 members serving four-year terms. Each year approximately 35 new members are appointed to replace those who complete their service. The new members are chosen by the Executive Committee of the Council, acting upon a slate submitted by its nominating committee. In addition, a member of the current graduating class is elected to serve on the council, also for a four-year term.

Upon agreeing to serve, new members are asked to join one of the Council’s committees. Each committee is led by co-chairs who sit on the Executive Committee. The committees are:

  • Alumni Admissions Representatives (AAR) Committee
  • Annual Giving Board (AGB)
  • Athletics Committee
  • Class Secretaries and Web Editors Committee
  • Communications and Technology Committee
  • Mentoring and Young Alumni Committee
  • Multicultural Affairs Committee
  • Regional Associations Committee
  • Reunions and Special Events Committee

As well, the Governance Committee, the Nominating Committee, and one or more ad hoc committees are appointed by the President.

The expectation of membership is presence at the two meetings of the Council each year: at Leaders Weekend in the fall and at Alumni Council Weekend in the spring. The former usually occurs in late October or early November; the latter varies between mid-April and early May. Weekend meetings typically run from Friday mid-day through Saturday afternoon. The presence of all of its members is critical to the success of the Council. The Executive Committee has one additional meeting in late January.

On these occasions Council members are reconnected with Andover and updated on essential issues. In addition, there is a full working schedule of committee and plenary sessions to accomplish the agenda of the Council.

What The Alumni Council Does

  • Alumni Council committees maintain contact between the alumni and selected areas of school life and serve to support the Academy in various endeavors involving alumni.
  • Alumni Council organizes and hosts Leaders’ Weekend each fall, to encourage and recognize alumni who contribute to the Academy in a variety of ways.
  • In alternating years, the Council oversees the nominations that lead to the election of two Alumni/ae Trustees who serve four-year terms on the Board of Trustees.
  • Alumni Council welcomes the newly graduated class into alumni status.
  • The President presides over the Annual Meeting of the Alumni Association each year on reunion weekend.
  • The Alumni Council President serves a three-year term on the Board of Trustees.
  • Alumni Council chooses new members each year in such a way as to recognize significant volunteer service and provide a living profile of the entire alumni body.

Updated 11/09