Friends for life: CPTC Foundation builds stronger alumni connections

By Jean Borst

Your connection to Clover Park Technical College doesn’t end when you earn a certificate, degree or diploma. As an alum, you’re always a part of the CPTC family – and one of the college’s greatest assets.

That’s why the Clover Park Technical College Foundation is working to strengthen relationships with former students and build a more connected alumni community.

A friendlier way to connect

The first step in this “friend-raising” effort was the launch of the CPTC Alumni Association, which is free for all alumni. Since then, the Foundation has built a database of more than 30,000 former students, according to CPTC Foundation Executive Director Cathy Purcella. With that resource in hand, they’re rolling out a strategy to boost engagement in simple, meaningful ways.

“We’re sending out emails a few times a year with a very specific focus,” Purcella said. “They include the latest news from CPTC and highlight free and paid events that alumni might want to attend or be involved in.”

What’s not in those emails? A request for donations.

“When people hear from alumni associations, they often assume they’re being asked for money,” Purcella said. “But for us, it’s about building community and fostering connections.”

Sharing the good news

There couldn’t be a better time to share what’s happening on campus. As one of the fastest-growing career and technical education institutions in Washington state, CPTC continues to expand its programs to meet workforce demands and support lifelong learning.

This fall, CPTC will launch a new Bachelor of Science and Cyber-Physical Software Engineering. The college is also preparing to introduce a new lineman program and bring back the popular Massage Studies program.

“We don’t want Clover Park Technical College to be a ‘best-kept secret’,” Purcella said. “Our alumni should be aware of the exciting things happening here – and feel proud to be part of them.”

Alumni are also invited back to campus for events, such as a recent career fair, the People’s Choice Car and Bike Show and the Foundation Scholarship Celebration. An upcoming highlight is the August 16 Scramble FORE Student Golf Tournament at American Lake Veterans Golf Course –  a nonprofit that provides rehabilitation, therapy, socialization and support for veterans.

“Events like this also showcase CPTC’s strong community partnerships,” Purcella said. “The golf tournament is especially meaningful, given how many of our alumni are veterans.”

Keeping the connection strong

The Foundation hopes its outreach will do more than inform. It’s also meant to inspire. Purcella outlined a few residual goals for the alumni communications:

• Encourage alumni to return to CPTC. A former student who’s been working in a field for a while may decide to pursue another certificate, degree or skill upgrade.
• Spark conversations with loved ones. Alumni may recommend CPTC to family or friends. After a recent email communication, a former student reached out to say he hoped his daughter would attend the college.
• Promote alumni involvement. Whether it’s joining an advisory board or linking a Fred Meyer Reward Card to CPTC, there are a range of ways to stay engaged.
• Celebrate alumni successes. The Foundation is eager to the hear about and spotlight the achievements of former students.

One step at a time

So far, the response to the Foundation’s friend-raising approach has been positive. And alumni can rest assured they won’t be overwhelmed with emails.

“We’re taking things slow,” Purcella said. “Each message has a clear focus, and we’re still gathering updates from across campus to share.”

Looking ahead, the Foundation hopes to partner with the CPTC Student Life to host networking events and create more opportunities for alumni and current students to connect.

“This is a great time to be part of a technical college,” Purcella said. “As a community and a society, we’re all beginning to fully appreciate the incredible value of skilled trades and hands-on careers.”