Heartland Community College Alumni Association Celebrates Fifth Anniversary, expands benefits

[July 03, 2014]  NORMAL – Heartland’s Alumni Association is getting ready to celebrate its fifth year and marks the anniversary by expanding benefits to include discounts and an opportunity for alumni to use the Fitness and Recreation Center. 

The Alumni Association was launched in March 2009 with the board of directors holding their first meeting in September 2009. Its mission is to establish, maintain and enhance relationships between Heartland Community College and its alumni and friends. In the past five years, the Association has focused on areas HCC alumni said they wanted the most, which included professional development opportunities, personal development seminars and career support.

The Association now begins a new phase by offering members priority registration to the College’s Fitness and Recreation Center and Hawk Perks, a program that provides discounts to restaurants, retailers, hotels and other service providers. “We have always wanted to offer discounts exclusively to our alumni,” said Colleen Reynolds, Director of Alumni Relations. “Our first focus was on providing support that will help alumni and their careers. I’m excited to follow through on our long-term goals of offering discounts and access to important Heartland facilities.” 

Registered members of Heartland’s Alumni Association can access discounts by downloading the GeoPerks app on their smart phone or by emailing [e-mail]  and requesting a Hawks Perks card. To start using the fitness center, alumni members can call [phone]. Cost is $125 for the fall and spring semesters and $75 during the summer. Use of the fitness center will require an orientation session and completion of an end-of-semester feedback form.  

“We hope alumni take advantage of the new benefits,” said Reynolds. “We’re also hoping these benefits attract more alumni to register for the Association.” Reynolds notes membership is free and applies to anyone who has completed a class at Heartland such as a traditional class, community education, customized training or even traffic school. Those interested in becoming a member can go to heartland.edu/alumni and click the Join Us button. 

For more information about Heartland Community College, visit www.heartland.edu.

[Text received; BECKY GROPP, HEARTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE]