Envisioning the future of the AAMC
What could the AAMC look like with each of these options?
We have created a detailed chart below, providing a framework that starts to paint a picture of what the AAMC could look like in each of these scenarios. The details of these options are not mutually exclusive; for example, there could be ways AAMC functions independently while working with Northeastern in other ways. So while the chart is detailed, there is still much work to be done to bring any of these options to fruition. But a crucial question that must be answered is, “What relationship do alums want the AAMC to have with Northeastern?”
Open a PDF version of the chart below for easier viewing or printing
| Option 1: Independent/No formal NU relationship | Option 2: Independent with formalized NU relationship | Option 3: Merge with MC@NU Alumnae Relations | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premise | Mills College as we have historically known it no longer exists, and we want to preserve and create a living legacy of the most important facets of Mills, not just for alums but to expand this legacy’s impact on the world. | Mills College as we have historically known it no longer exists, and we want to preserve and create a living legacy of the most important facets of Mills, not just for alums but to expand this legacy’s impact on the world and on all who come to the campus in the future. | Mills College alums are welcome as part of the broader NU family, with the Mills College name as a name of a satellite campus and peripheral attention to Mills’ historical mission and values. (Note: if we don’t act on redefining our mission/purpose, this option will probably be the default.) |
| Potential Names | Alumnae Association of Mills College | Alumnae Association of Mills College Alumnae Association of MC@NU Mills College Historical Society Mills Center for Women/Trans/Non-Binary |
Women’s Alumnae Association of MC@NU Northeastern Alumni Association MC@NU Office of Institutional Advancement (Alumnae Relations) |
| Mission | Dedicated to preserving the history of Mills College and providing opportunities for the continued embodiment of the spirit and values of a Mills College education. (Note: With no formal NU relationship, this may mean no presence on campus.) |
Dedicated to preserving the history of Mills College by having a living presence on campus and providing opportunities for the continued embodiment of the spirit and values of a Mills College education. | Support all alums who spent time on the Oakland Campus - both Mills College alums and current/future MC@NU students |
| Values | Keep the spirit of Mills alive independently Elevate and support women/trans/non-binary with chosen partners (see Partner row) Support first-generation/non-traditional age students with chosen partners (see Partner row) Promote women/queer/BIPOC-centered education Teaching critical thinking and leadership skills |
Keep the spirit of Mills College alive on campus Champion women/trans/non-binary MC@NU students/alums Support first-generation/non-traditional age MC@NU students Promote women/queer/BIPOC-centered education Teaching critical thinking and leadership skills Advocate for restoration of Mills renowned liberal arts programs under NU (Music, Art, etc.) |
Advocate for restoration of Mills’ renowned liberal arts programs under NU (Music, Art, etc.) Global education environment Preparing students for the workplace/Experiential Learning Co-education |
| Corporate Structure/ Assets |
Use existing 501(c)3 but clarify membership (see Who’s a Member row) AAMC keeps assets (endowment, AAMC owned historical items, rebuild donor database, etc.) |
Use existing 501(c)3 but clarify membership (see Who’s a Member row) Negotiate sharing of assets where appropriate (historical items, continued database use, etc.) |
Dissolve existing 501(c)3 and AAMC distribute existing funds/assets OR Keep the AAMC endowment only under 501(c)3 and focus on scholarships but otherwise funnel all alum activities through MC@NU |
| Who’s a Member? | Mills College Alums (anyone who attended one semester of Mills College prior to May 2022) Friends of Mills College join via an application process (TBD)/pay dues |
Mills College Alums (all who attended one semester of Mills College prior to May 2022) MC@NU grads & Friends of Mills College join via an application process (TBD)/pay dues |
Anyone who graduates from Northeastern with Mills Alumnae included |
| Membership Dues | Free to any Mills College Alum (defined above) Additional members (see Who’s a Member? row) join via an application/pay dues |
Free to any Mills College Alum (defined above) Additional members (see Who’s a Member? row) join via an application/pay dues |
None |
| Home | May need to find a new location (potentially Benicia or an Oakland) | Reinhardt Alumnae House (RAH) subject to agreement with NU, which may include paying rent | Determined by NU |
| Potential Activities | Career Networking Branches/Clubs separate from NU Historical preservation of items Scholarships for women/trans/non-binary, BIPOC, first generation, non-traditional students Merchandise, Travel Program, Alum Awards Provide alternate Reunions events from MC@NU Programs to advocate for women/queer/BIPOC-centered education in a variety of settings (academic, corporate, non-profit, etc.) Support for first generation and non-traditional age students at women’s colleges MC@NU Activities in Option 3 available but not coordinated |
Career Networking Branches/Clubs Collaboration with MC@NU Historical preservation of items Scholarships for women/trans/non-binary, BIPOC, first generation, non-traditional students Merchandise, Travel Program, Alum Awards Coordinate with NU on alum activities (like Reunion) but also provide alternative activities for those alums who do not want to support NU Potentially get board seats on Mills Institute Advocate for NU to preserve historical Mills curriculum (Music, Dance, Education, etc.) Programs for NU students to learn about history of Mills and women/queer/BIPOC-centered education (could be a resource for global NU) Plus MC@NU Activities in Option 3 |
Determined by NU Career resources NU will hold Mills Reunions for the foreseeable future Mills Quarterly (e)ucalyptus (bi-monthly e-mail newsletter) Alumnae/i Business Directory Branches/Clubs Alumnae Engagement Committee (AEC) NU Lifelong Learning Program 25% off NU tuition Campus benefits (library, pool, fitness center) Partner discounts include (bookstore, FedEx, Dell Computers, Marriott Bonvoy, insurance, etc.) Alumnae Email |
| Fundraising Focus | Operations & Staff (ED plus support staff, with perhaps a staff historian) Building & maintenance (new building) Scholarships for women/trans/non-binary, BIPOC, first generation, non-traditional students |
Operations & Staff (ED plus support staff, with perhaps a staff historian) Reinhardt Alumnae House (with possible rent at some point in the future) Scholarships for women/trans/non-binary, BIPOC, first generation, non-traditional students |
NU General Donations Mills Legacy Scholarship Fund Mills Institute Fund Student Hardship Fund If includes keeping AAMC endowment, direct scholarship money per agreed upon criteria |
| Potential Partners | Women’s colleges Women/LGBTQ/BIPOC organizations |
Women’s colleges Women/LGBTQ/BIPOC organizations |
Determined by NU |
| Models | Always a Judson (Judson College) Associate Alumnae of Douglass College |
National Alumnae Association of Spelman College (NAASC) | Sierra Nevada University (Nevada Alumni) Wesley College (Delaware State Alumni) Pacific Northwest College of Art (Willamette Univ.) |
Optional: Express a Preference and/or Submit Private Comments to the AAMC
The Preference Survey closed on Friday, November 4, 2022 at 11:59 PM PT. Thank you to everyone who participated in this comment period. The AAMC appreciates your input. The Board of Governors will report out to the membership the results of this comment period.
Public Comments on the Options
We welcome public comments on these proposals. We encourage civil discussion amongst alums to refine and shape these proposals. Comments that include personal attacks, trolling, or otherwise not focused on the proposals and how to constructively move forward will be removed.