Lifetime Owls donated $4,500 to the Student Government Association. From Left to Right: Vice President of Alumni and Community Relations Nanci Salvidio, Westfield State President Evan S. Dobelle, Director of Alumni Relations Kathi Bradford, and Student Government President Stephanie Close ’13. (Photo submitted)
WESTFIELD – Westfield State University (WSU) Lifetime Owls program donated $4,500 to the Student Government Association (SGA). The money was awarded as part of the new Lifetime Owls, a lifetime membership program in which alumni, students, or parents pay a one-time fee of either $75 or $100. Lifetime Owls began this summer and has already raised more than $30,000.
Funds raised through Lifetime Owls membership will be used to increase scholarships, to support students activities and Alumni Association programming.
“The Lifetime Owls program is the first of its type in our state system,” said Director of Alumni Relations Kathi Bradford. “It synthesizes a similar concept from the University of Colorado with the student-focused values on our campus and creates a revenue generating program for current students, parents and alumni.”
“The revenue generated has already created new scholarships, increased student programming and support of activities that bring athletics and alumni together. It will also support new initiatives from academic departments that increase additional student and alumni interaction.”
“The program is a great initiative for Westfield State because of how the funds come back to the students on campus,” said SGA president Stephanie Close ’13. SGA hopes to use the funds to support an increase in student programming efforts.
Lifetime Owl membership includes discounted or free entry to valid campus, local and state-wide events, and access to special LinkedIn and Facebook groups and the Lifetime Owls page on the Alumni website.
Alumni who join also receive 20 percent off at the Alumni Store, and are allowed to participate in special events including mentor programs, networking activities, and career development events.
Parents who purchase a membership on behalf of their student will also receive admittance to a special commencement reception for them and their graduating senior.
