The Colorado School of Mines Alumni Association invites you to view its annual report of members and donors, published online for the first time as a cost-saving measure. As a prelude to that report, we’d like to acknowledge our appreciation for the many alumni who support us with membership and donations, and also take this opportunity to address common questions regarding membership and benefits.

Founded in 1875 and incorporated in 1936, CSMAA has always been an independent, nonprofit, membership-based organization. While the association is charged with fostering connections among all alumni and between alumni and the school regardless of membership, money raised through membership and general operating fund dollars is the association’s primary source of revenue. Have no doubt that CSMAA, the Colorado School of Mines Foundation and the school work closely together in common purpose: to perpetuate Mines’ legacy of excellence.

By supporting the association directly, members positively affect the financial position of the association regardless of other pressures that concern the school. If CSMAA is healthy enough to stand on its own, Mines can concentrate on its core mission: to educate the best and brightest future leaders.

As partners in one another’s success, the foundation supplements the association’s annual budget, as does the school, with the school contributing partial funding for the magazine, some program and service support, and the full salary and benefits for the association’s executive director.

Membership in CSMAA supports four full-time employees and three part-time employees and their corresponding programs. All activities associated with the publishing of this magazine, the primary publication for Colorado School of Mines, are managed by the association staff. Staff members plan events, both on campus and regional events held around the world. All told, the association coordinates on average about 100 events per year. The staff supports the activities of regional sections, cultivates many volunteers, and plans programs and delivers services for both alumni and students. Alumni join CSMAA for a wide variety of reasons. Many want to support the association’s efforts simply because they value their Mines degree and are supportive of solid efforts to elevate the school’s profile.

Members Jamie and Andrew Headley ’93 agree: “We joined CSMAA as a way to stay connected to Mines and to show our appreciation for the opportunities that an engineering education has afforded us.” Some find that membership in this exclusive organization is the best way to network with others like themselves. And many recognize that in addition to the intrinsic value of supporting CSMAA through membership, the association also offers several tangible benefits, including a brand new national discount affiliation with hundreds of retailers. To learn more about programs and benefits, please visit www.minesonline.net, the new web site for alumni.

At the beginning of a new year, as you consider what’s important in your life, we hope that your pride and appreciation for Mines will translate to a membership in CSMAA. Now, more than ever, your membership in the association—and your support of Mines—is needed and appreciated.

Visit the new web site to join online and to view the 2008 Colorado School of Mines Alumni Association Annual Report.