When folks logged onto TC Web this Fall and clicked on "Alumni," they encountered something old, something new, and definitely something blue.

A mixture of modern design and traditional Teachers College architecture, the new Alumni Web site is an exciting move into a new era of communication and service online.

"We have a very active alumni outreach program, which sponsors numerous events in regions throughout the country," explained Laura Ellis, Director of Alumni Programs and the mastermind behind the new site. "The Web site lists these upcoming events, and includes photos of past events as well. The site also has nomination forms for Distinguished Alumni and Early Career Awards, and for membership on the TC Alumni Council."

In fact, this fall marks the first ever Web-cast of an Alumni event, the Diane Ravitch BookTalk.

But, let's not forget about the new look. "I wanted a new alumni site that is more interactive, more informative, and easier to navigate," Ellis said. "I wanted it to have a 'look and feel' that is more consistent with other TC Web sites."

And now for a little foreshadowing, Ellis added, "I also wanted the Web site structured
in a way that could be easily expanded to accommodate our future needs."

Some of the future needs include launching an Intranet that will be restricted to Alumni only. In this portion of the site, Alumni will be able to search for fellow classmates, add their name to the mailing list, bring TC up to date on events in their lives, and update their contact information.

One thing that all Alumni should know is to expect to see more and more online. As Ellis said, "The Web site is always a work in progress."

The Alumni site can be reached at www.tc.edu/alumni.

Published Thursday, May. 16, 2002