From bands to parties and dinners the Alumni Association remains active
by KAREN JOHNSON
W ant to know the current addre$| of j former student? Or get a 30 per cent discount on books published by the University Press? Or get second priority for season football tickets? Then simply get in touch with your friendly neighborhood Alumni Association.
The Alumni Association was separately incorporated and yet closely aligned to the university. It was chartered to be of service and benefit to all alumni and the university. The policies and programs of the Association were determined by volunteer alumni who serve the Association's Board of Directors.
The Board was basically composed of elected repesentatives from geographic districts of the state and nation who served t year terms. The officers of the Associatio president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer  were elected by the Board, which met several times a year and conducted an annual workshop in the summer. Expenses incurred in attending all meetings were borne by the representatives.
The Kentucky Alumnus, the only magazine o the Association, was sent to the home of member-alumni four times a year. It contained features about the university, Association programs, news capsules about former students, action on the campus and the current sports picture.
Open Door, the alumni newspaper, was also published and mailed four times a year, but to all alumni. It contained timely university news and current information on university programs.
Although the university and the number o alumni have grown tremendously since 1889, the Alumni Association still retained a warm relationship with all alumni through personal correspondence, direct mail, club meetings and special alumni functions.
The Helen G. King Alumni House, located at the corner of Rose Street and Euclid Avenue, was the campus home for all UK alumni. Funds to construct and furnish the building were given by members of the Alumni Century Club who each gave $500 or more. Dedicated in 963, the house was a gathering place for
nni and was used for conferences, exhibits and social functions. Generally it could be used for meetings and small get-togethers during regular working hours at no charge. Charges at other times were based on labor, type of function and the extent to which the facilities were used. Active members of the Association were
granted reduced rates. Kitchen facilities were available so that refreshments, dinners or luncheons could be served.
The Alumni Association sponsored buffet luncheons and dinners before all home football games. Member-alumni received a brochure giving detailed information about these activities and other items of interest. Alumni were transported to the football games in a double-decked English bus purchased by the Association. Several hundred alumni attended the luncheons and dinners each year.
Art exhibits open to alumni artists were held
periodically in the King Alumni House. Past exhibits included works in oil, pastels, collages and photography.
As the official traditions-keeper of university, the Alumni Association had for many years sponsored Homecoming and reunion activities. The Homecoming luncheon was held the day of the game at the King Alumni House. Class reunions were held in the fall and spring. Reunions provided a valuable opportunity for classmates to keep in touch throughout the years which follow graduation.
jj| mtlnuecf on pg. 18)