When it comes to choosing a college, today’s prospective students have more options and are more heavily recruited than ever before. At Mississippi State, we work tirelessly to make sure everyone knows what the Maroon and White life has to offer—but no brochure, ad or website is as convincing as exposure to the university and high praise from alumni.
There are several ways graduates can help future students see that MSU provides an exciting college experience that can build lifelong relationships, a meaningful career and memories to last a lifetime.
Below are some tips for how you can help turn young pups into full-fledged Dawgs:
Start them young: It’s never too early to plant the seed of lifelong Bulldog loyalty. Request an official, free, “Future Bulldog” certificate from the MSU Alumni Association. Intended for children 10 years old and younger, each personalized certificate has MSU President Mark E. Keenum’s signature. Sign up at dda.msstate.edu/future-bulldog-certificate.
Enroll in the Legacy Program: Active alumni can enroll their children and grandchildren in the official MSU Legacy Program. Beginning with their first birthday, enrolled “legacies” get a birthday card and special MSU-themed gift each year. Learn more at alumni.msstate.edu/legacy-program.
Invite them to campus: Whether it’s bringing your own children to Bulldog sporting events or encouraging young adults to visit campus for Old Main Music Festival, getting future college students to step foot on campus is a great way to make a lasting Maroon impression.
The university offers a variety of activities for all ages from athletic and educational camps for K-12 students to performance, athletic and educational events for all ages. Check msstate.edu and MSU social media for upcoming opportunities.
Connect with other alumni: Can’t make it to campus? Find other Bulldog alumni in your area to help strengthen your MSU connections and find opportunities to spread MSU’s mission of taking care of what matters.
Local chapters help families stay connected to Bulldog spirit and traditions—no matter where they live. Find a local chapter by visiting alumni.msstate.edu/alumni-chapters-and-clubs. In addition to great socializing, these groups are Bulldog ambassadors to local schools, volunteer in the name of MSU, and provide scholarships to area students. All of these can help get future students in a Mississippi State state of mind.
Share your knowledge: Mentoring can be a great way to help students see how Mississippi State prepares you for a successful career. Offer your services to local schools to form connections with potential students and sign up for MSU’s Bulldog Network at bulldognetwork.msstate.edu to be connected with current students and help them develop the tools they need to be successful and form strong ties with the university.
Become an alumni recruiter: The MSU Alumni Recruitment Network offers several ways for alumni to become official Bulldog ambassadors through a variety of programs developed to fit as much, or as little, time as you have to offer. Programs like Maroon Mail Writers and Bully’s College Fair Crew connect alumni with prospective students in small ways that make a big impact on shaping the next generation of Bulldogs. Visit alumni.msstate.edu/arn to learn more.
