Graduation may mark the end of a student’s time on campus, but it doesn’t have to be the end of their story.
Across the country — and through shared interests and experiences — alumni are finding ways to stay connected through alumni chapters and groups. Organized by Golden Flash volunteers and supported by the university’s Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, these groups create opportunities to reconnect with classmates, build new friendships, network professionally, attend events, give back and support current students.
“Whether you’ve moved across the country, remained close to campus or want to reconnect with a particular part of your Golden Flash experience, there’s a group that can help you continue this next chapter in your journey,” said Patti McCoy, assistant director, Chapter and Volunteer Programs.
Connect With Golden Flashes Near You
For alumni who want to build connections close to home, has regional chapters in seven locations.
The Central Ohio Alumni Chapter brings together alumni in the greater Columbus area. Its calendar includes annual events like indoor ice skating during Kent Skates, plus athletics watch parties and a student send-off picnic in the summer — offering plenty of opportunities to meet fellow Golden Flashes in a fun, casual setting. The chapter also supports a scholarship fund for sophomores from Central Ohio.
The Greater Cleveland Alumni Chapter serves alumni in the Cleveland area. Its events focus on networking and socializing, giving alumni opportunities to build connections with other Golden Flashes. The chapter has provided tours of local landmarks like Severance Music Center and offers the chance to honor U.S. veterans for Memorial Day during an annual service opportunity. The chapter also supports a scholarship for sophomores from several Northeast Ohio counties.
The Lake County Alumni Chapter has a particularly long history. Chartered in 1965, it is ’s first and oldest alumni chapter. Its signature events include the annual Pasta Dinner and the Blue and Gold Dinner, both of which raise funds for its scholarship. The chapter also offers social events like wine tasting and outings to local sporting events including the Lake County Captains. The chapter’s scholarship has helped students from Lake County attend for the past 15 years.
The National Capital Alumni Chapter connects alumni in the greater Washington, D.C., area. Beyond socializing, the chapter plays an active role in supporting students through ’s Washington Program in National Issues (WPNI), including an annual student reception, as well as mentorship and networking opportunities. Alumni also gather for baseball games when the Cleveland Guardians play in the area.
The New York City Alumni Chapter brings together alumni in the New York City area. Its events often center on networking and fashion, reflecting both the city and ’s strong fashion tradition. The chapter also supports scholarships for current students.
The Southern California Alumni Chapter connects alumni living in Southern California by hosting sporting, cultural and social events throughout the year. Activities include student send-offs and participation in Flashes Give Back Week, ’s largest volunteer initiative. It also promotes opportunities to support current students from California through its scholarship.
The Stark County Alumni Chapter serves alumni in Stark County, gathering Golden Flashes for athletic watch parties, holiday celebrations, family-friendly events and the chapter’s signature Pro Football Hall of Fame Balloon Launch and Breakfast in Canton, Ohio. The chapter has also awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships to students attending Stark.
Stay Connected Through Shared Experiences
Sometimes the strongest alumni connections come not from where you live, but from what you experienced at .
The Black Alumni Chapter, established in 2009, welcomes alumni from anywhere in the United States or around the world. The group hosts several annual events, including a Homecoming celebration, and it supports the Black Alumni Scholarship through fundraising. Its history also includes celebrations, service opportunities and programs that bring generations of Golden Flashes together.
The LGBTQ+ Alumni Chapter welcomes alumni who are members, friends and allies of the LGBTQ+ community. With alumni participating from around the world, the chapter creates opportunities to reconnect, have fun and make a difference no matter where they live. It also supports the CARES Basic Needs Student Fund, which helps connect students with resources for financial, food, housing and other basic needs.
For those whose memories are set to the sound of music, the University Bands Alumni Chapter serves alumni across ’s many band ensembles. The group keeps musical traditions alive through Homecoming activities, including the alumni band halftime performance, plus its annual Flasher Brass reunion and Feed the Band event. And you don’t have to be actively performing to participate — the chapter welcomes alumni who simply want to reconnect with fellow band members.
The School of Fashion Alumni Group, founded in 2023, gives graduates of ’s School of Fashion a way to remain connected to each other and the program. Its focus includes events, professional networking, mentoring, volunteerism and philanthropy, providing opportunities for alumni to stay involved with the school and with the next generation of fashion professionals.
More Than Events
While alumni events may be the most visible part of these groups, their impact goes beyond a happy hour, watch party or Homecoming gathering.
Alumni groups provide opportunities to mentor students, exchange professional advice, support scholarships, volunteer in their communities and strengthen connections between alumni and the university. ’s Flashes Connect mentoring program, for example, helps students and alumni connect for advice, professional development and networking, with mentoring groups currently established through the Fashion, Black and LGBTQ+ alumni groups.
“Mentoring is one of the most meaningful ways alumni can engage with the university,” said LaTesha Dukes, ’18, associate director, Chapter and Volunteer Engagement. “Students are navigating a very important time in their life, and hearing from alumni who have had similar experiences helps them on their path to pursuing their dreams.”
Many groups also participate in service initiatives. During Flashes Give Back Week, alumni chapters have organized activities ranging from community cleanups to food drives, as well as volunteer opportunities supporting local organizations.
That combination of connection and service reflects what makes an alumni group more than simply a way to socialize. It is an opportunity to carry the Golden Flash experience forward.
Find Your Golden Flash Community
Wherever life has taken you, your connection can travel with you.
Explore ’s alumni chapters and groups to find your community, discover upcoming events and learn how you can get involved.
