All Aboard the Marketing Train

"Wear WPI-emblazoned clothing, put a logo decal in your car or drop a copy of this magazine in your dentist's waiting room."

"I like to use the analogy that the train [the marketing program] has left the station and the Alumni Association has a chance to ride on it or not." Buoyed by Joyce Kline's energy and can-do attitude, it's clear that "or not" is not an option.

When Joyce Kline '87 signed to chair the Marketing and Communications Division, her eyes were open. "I knew this role would be challenging due to the focus that the school has placed on marketing," she says.

She was also well-versed in the process. Joyce has been involved with the Alumni Association since she was a student, serving as chair of the Student Alumni Society in her junior year. "I was very involved in WPI as an undergrad, so staying involved as an alum has been a natural progression."

Joyce champions the university's marketing initiative as a chance for alums to help promote the school and to find new reasons to be proud of their alma mater.

At a retreat last October, representatives from the Alumni Cabinet and the Board of Trustees brainstormed on how best to support WPI's marketing program. The group came up with creative ways alumni can be supportive, promote WPI, and increase their involvement in the association.

Joyce says even alums who are pressed for time can be involved. "Wear WPI-emblazoned clothing, put a logo decal in your car or drop a copy of this magazine in your dentist's waiting room." Those with more time are encouraged to serve on a range of steering committees, such as one geared to tap high school science and math teachers for prospective students. Other committees focus on supporting the newly launched e-newsletter and the development of an improved Alumni Web site.

Putting the plan into action takes time, and for Joyce Kline this is no small duty--especially since her position as a senior manager at Accenture, (formerly Anderson Consulting), requires a great deal of travel. But, she says, it's worth it.

"I enjoy being involved with the Alumni Association," she says. "It's an opportunity to give back to the school. WPI provided me with a solid foundation for my career. I really gained on so many levels--academically as well as from a leadership perspective. You don't need a marketing or communications background to be involved, just enthusiasm for WPI."

Interested in serving on a committee? Contact Joyce at joyce.s.kline@accenture.com.

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Last modified: Sep 15, 2004, 12:36 EDT