Transition FAQ's 

Why is the Javelina Alumni Association being transitioned under the University?

Simply put: growth. We want to provide the strongest, sustainable alumni engagement opportunities that we possibly can. We strive to engage and meet the needs of almost 50,000 alumni by realizing this change. In the past, JAA and Javelina Nation operated as separate organizations. Positioning JAA alumni programming firmly under the larger University umbrella streamlines and combined resources to better meet the needs of nationally-recognized alumni. A more united focus better achieves common goals: student success and alumni connection.

For example, our transformation is led by a new commitment to alumni and students in Seven Initiatives - improved college-based partnerships for alumni programming, expanded opportunities to engage through student mentoring and recruitment, enhanced regionally/national networks, broadly demonstrated support of Javelina Athletics, improved opportunities for career services and continuing education, robust recognition of alumni achievement and awards, and proactive, informative communication and social media.

How does this change benefit the University and alumni?

This transition unifies resources, events, information flow and services allowing Javelina Nation to better meet the needs of a broader spectrum of alumni. And it will facilitate our ability to focus on a renewed commitment to Javelina Alumni, with emphasis on enhancing the alumni experience and mission:

  • Engage and connect Javelina in support of Javelina Nation’s mission, while creative a sustainable lifelong connection to our university and each other. 

Alumni Association benefits?

We will not only continue Javelina Alumni Association benefits, but continue to grow and expand them to all alumni.

I am a Lifetime Member; do I still get my benefits?

Yes. Life benefits will continue with invitation to key events such as our Lifetime Gathering during Javelina Homecoming.

What if I am not a Lifetime Member?

As a committed and proud alumnus who contributes annually, you will receive the Javelina Today magazine via mail and other communications updating you on the impact of your gift and the growing campus community.

Is every person who attended Javelina Nation at any time now automatically a member?

Yes. Every individual who graduated from our University is automatically recognized as an alumnus and part of our alumni organization. Additionally, we have thousands of former students who call themselves proud Javelina Alumni, and we welcome them to the family. As an alumnus, we will be contacting you about your University experience, how you are using what you learned at Javelina Nation to succeed outside the classroom, and, most importantly, how we can improve your connection to your Alma Mater.

I used to give to the Alumni Fund for Excellence scholarship. Can I still do that?

Yes. JAA will continue to manage and offer their essential scholarships that make it possible for so many students to attend Javelina Nation and successfully complete a college education. Alumni and friends and continue to support these scholarships by making annual or monthly gifts.

The best part of our transformation, however, is we can now provide an expanded range of giving options.

University scholarships provide financial assistance to deserving and qualified students and help recruit high-achieving leaders to Javelina Nation. You can give to one of these essential programs which are a high priority, as they can make a tremendous impact on student success.

So, all of this is a good thing, correct?

Yes! This transformation allows JAA and the University a reinforced platform and aligned vision for its alumni. Coming together, Javelina Alumni are stronger than ever and able to support the University, enhance student success, increase the value of their degree and advance us beyond South Texas toward unprecedented heights and unmatched accomplishments.

Why is it important for me to give to Javelina Nation?

Your ongoing annual support has always been and continues to be essential to Javelina Nation’s mission. Whether you donate to support your college, alumni activities or University priorities, your participation continues to build a stronger university, enables Javelina Nation to provide new and exciting alumni programming and advances our achievements.

The recent accomplishments of Javelina Nation certainly were a cause for celebration, and your participation and support through the Alumni Association helped us get there. But as we all know, there’s still unfinished business. What will take us beyond, to unprecedented heights of excellence, is the collective and continued support of Javelina Alumni through gifts to the University. Alumni contributions drive student success, elevate the academic status of incoming freshman classes, help recruit and retain preeminent faculty, increase the quality of graduate education, boost the number of doctorates awarded, facilitates membership in distinguished academic organizations, improves research expenditures and the sum of the University’s endowment. When considering a gift to Javelina Nation, ask yourself, “Are you ready for the next level?”

Additionally, your gifts will support our new direction in alumni relations and engagement. JAA’s Initiatives will help align alumni relations with University mission.