We in Alumni Affairs recognize the work and dedication of class officers, but it is equally as important for officers to recognize and celebrate their peers. Here are some tips for class officer recognition:
Make it public
- Use your tools! Posting shout outs to your class website, Facebook page, or Instagram account is a simple and effective way to recognize officers.
- While personal email/phone call recognition is valued, announcements on conference calls, via social media, or at in-person gatherings make a bigger impact.
Use recognition as a recruitment tool
By publically celebrating officers, you can promote and highlight the benefits of being involved with the class to a potentially new and diverse pool of classmates.
Acknowledge both seasoned and new officers
- Celebrate both seasoned officers for years of service, but don’t forget the new officers and their innovative ideas.
- Welcome to the Team! Send an email shout out or even Cornell team apparel to make new officers feel welcome and a part of the group
Create a system
Put a system in place that makes recognition part of your 5 year cycle. This can include:
- Recognition every 5 years at Reunion
- Yearly award(s), which can include ideas such as:
- Most innovative
- Length of service
- Rookie of the Year (celebrating a new officer)
What should be recognized?
- Celebrating the work of your Registration Chair for Reunion Registration Launch
- Reunion Committee being recognized after successful Reunion planning
- Nomination Committee finalizing the slate for the next 5 years
- Planning a class event that increased engagement and brought in new faces
- Utilizing new digital resources
- Attending CALC
Keep in mind that even the smallest tasks can be recognized!