Alumni Association: Get Involved

Oral History Project!!

The Foundation is currently participating in an Oral History Project via Publishing Concepts, Inc. (PCI). PCI is contacting alumni via either postcards or emails or both. It is not a scam or spam. They are helping the Foundation to verify addresses, emails, phone numbers, and most importantly to collect stories from each alumni who calls in.

As of August 31, in less than three weeks time, nearly 600 alumni have already called in and verified their information. Even more exciting, 427 alumni have shared their great stories about their favorite times at Peru State.

Perhaps more important to the Foundation, numerous addresses, phone numbers, and emails have been verified and updated.

At the end of the process, PCI will be publishing a book with the top rated stories which can be purchased in addition to other items. 

Please note that there will be a sales pitch at the end of the call when you give your story. You are under no obligation to purchase any item.

For more information, click here for frequently asked questions!

Plan a Bobcat Event!

Alumni and friends are encouraged to gather together wherever you live. The National Alumni Association is here to help with planning and supporting your event. Here are a few guidelines for planning your own successful Bobcat alumni event.

• Contact the National Alumni Association at least six weeks before you’d like to host your event at pscfoundation@peru.edu or 402-872-2304.
• Work with the National Alumni Association to determine number of alumni living in the area and feasibility of holding an event in your area.
• Work with the National Alumni Association to develop a promotional plan, including Facebook and broadcast emails.
• Receive a box of event supplies including a sign-in sheet to record the names of alumni in attendance.
• Attend the event as the main host and follow up with Ted L. Harshbarger with photos and final attendance information.

Peru State College Alumni and Friends Strategic Planning Survey Results

Peru State College’s current strategic plan, titled Essential Engagement, is in its final year. A planning process has begun to create a new strategic plan, providing vision and guidance for the institution over the next five years.

Thank you for providing your input to the planning process through the Peru State College Alumni and Friends Strategic Planning Survey.  More than 100 alumni and friends responded, providing critical input to the direction Peru State College and the Foundation will follow for the next five years.  Below is a summary of the survey results:

• The top three services alumni and friends would benefit from are additional regional events, networking opportunities and career support.

• The Peru Stater is the most used communication tool with more than 81% of respondents rating it the highest of seven communications services. Other valued options include emails, the Peru State website and Facebook.

• Themes that emerged from the survey question – What are you most proud of for Peru State College? – included:
  -   Quality of education
  -   Family atmosphere
  -   History of the College and its impact on southeast Nebraska
  -   Leadership of faculty and staff
  -   History of teaching and molding students into quality educators

• Themes that emerged from the survey question – What do you want Peru State College to become? – included:
  -   Offer more online programs
  -   Increased prominence
  -   Affordable college of choice for students
  -   Increased student activities and involvement while maintaining small class sizes
  -   Continued improvement of campus buildings

• Themes that emerged from the survey question – How can Peru State College be more relevant to you? – included:
  -   Maintain focus on student development and education
  -   Engage through alumni involvement in events, visits to campus, and increase alumni events and activities
  -   Continue the Peru Stater and highlight alumni accomplishments

Most respondents had an overwhelmingly positive view of Peru State College and its future.  All survey comments have been shared with Peru State College administration and the strategic planning committee. An update on planning progress and how it affects alumni and friends will be in the summer edition of the Peru Stater.