Whether you want to expand your social opportunities, build your alumni network, or make a difference for Lawrence Technological University’s deserving students, there are many ways to connect with your fellow Blue Devils.
Here are a few suggestions for making your alumni experience more meaningful.
Take advantage of fun, impactful events
“What better way to reconnect with your fellow alumni than at Homecoming every fall?” said Scott Trudeau, LTU’s executive director of athletic fundraising and alumni engagement.
Last year, over 130 alumni showed up for the Homecoming tailgate (many with their families) for burgers, hot dogs, beer, games, prizes, and tons of fun. This year’s Homecoming is scheduled for September 27.
If you can’t make it, “Come out to any of our other alumni get-togethers so we can all stay connected,” suggested Trudeau.
Like LTU Night at Comerica Park on August 19, when the Detroit Tigers play the Houston Astros. Or next winter when alumni gather for a Red Wings game at Little Caesar’s Arena.
“We also do an alumni reunion each year for home basketball games,” Trudeau added. “In the past, it’s brought back alumni that haven’t been on campus in 20 years.”
The Gala
Another way to connect is through the university’s annual Scholarship Gala, where alumni, faculty, and students are honored for their positive impact. The gala also emphasizes the continuing need for scholarship support.
“Being with so many significant donors and scholarship recipients was both energizing and humbling; so much good is being done for so many who are deserving,” said LTU’s historian Bruce Annett about the very first gala in 2024.
Over 600 guests attended the 2025 gala, held at the historic Michigan Central Station; the event featured a keynote speech by ’89 alum and BorgWarner CEO Joe Fadool.
Get involved with the Alumni Association
While LTU grads are systematically added to the Alumni Association roster, some alums take it a step further by joining the Alumni Board; about 15-20 board members meet on campus quarterly to enhance the alumni experience.
Not only do they plan the tailgate for LTU’s annual homecoming, but they also split into groups to focus on various aspects of alumni life.
Jeremy Nafus (BSIT’17) heads up the events committee and is working on a murder mystery event. Don Reimer (BSIM’62) leads a committee on intellectual property. Patrice Patrick-Banks (MBA’11) oversees culture and community engagement. There is also a fundraising committee, and additional committees are forming.
Hear from current board members in this video.
Give back
“The most precious thing we can give back is our time,” said Donald James, who earned his MBA and DBA from LTU and voluntarily shares his eight leadership imperatives with students in LTU’s classrooms.
Other alumni return to LTU to offer their expertise as panelists for LTU’s career services. They also mentor students on business etiquette and professional networking at an annual dinner held on campus.
Scholarship power
One of the best ways to give back is to donate to an existing scholarship fund or create one of your own. Ken Claes (’73) established a scholarship in honor of his late wife, Deanna, after re-engaging with LTU a few years ago.
“To feel connected again with something good, solid, and important, and with nice people, is a very, very good feeling,” he said.
Please email alumni@ltu.edu if you’d like to learn more.
By: Pam Houghton
