Volunteer
The Alumni Association would not be able to support such a wide range of programs and activities without the dedication and commitment of many alumni. We value the contributions of alumni and encourage you to find a volunteer activity that interests you. We offer many ways for you to stay engaged.
Class ambassadors (or agents) are the volunteer fundraising team that gives a personal peer-to-peer touch to the work of the Annual Fund. They play a crucial role in helping Oberlin remain fiscally strong and in maintaining the extraordinary resources that make an Oberlin education so unique. Class ambassadors work with staff members in the Office of Annual Giving to encourage alumni giving every year, and to increase giving participation among the general alumni body.
Class Presidents and Vice Presidents are selected by their classmates every five years. Presidents write a letter to their classmates each fall, giving an independent overview of Oberlin and alumni activities to help keep the alumni in each class engaged. They also help recruit a Reunion Planning Committee of classmates to assist in the planning of reunion activities and events.
There are many opportunities for you to engage with fellow Obies in your region. Learn more about regional communities, host an alumni event, or volunteer as a regional coordinator!
The interaction alumni have with prospective students is critical in bringing Oberlin to live and in ultimately encouraging a student to apply and enroll at Oberlin. Volunteers can help by representing Oberlin at a college fair, by speaking with students at receptions, and by interviewing students.
More information, including the Alumni Recruiter Information Form, is available online at the Alumni Recruiting Network.
Winter Term micro-internships
Winter Term micro-internships are project-based, quality learning experiences that offer Oberlin students realistic exposure to career fields that interest them. These experiences are short-term, 100-hour projects that take place every January. Alumni like you make these possible!
Visit the Career Exploration and Development office to learn more.
Summer on the Cuyahoga
Summer on the Cuyahoga Internship Program brings together 50-70 interns for an intensive summer immersion program design to help interns explore the professional, civic and social offerings of the Cleveland area.
Homestays
- Provide temporary housing to SOTC Oberlin inters at the beginning and/or end of the SOTC program. Students stay in Cleveland State University resident halls for most of the summer. However, some internships are longer than the period the resident halls are available. Housing needs would be in May and August.
Mentor an Intern
- Match with a SOTC Oberlin intern to serve as a professional mentor and connection to the Cleveland community. Attend SOTC opening and closing ceremonies and other events open to hosts. Meet with your intern occasionally of the summer for coffee, lunch or even a home cooked meal.
Host an Event
- Host a causal cookout or other event at your home or a discussion about your career/industry, graduate school experience, etc.
For more information on how to become a volunteer with Summer on the Cuyahoga, please contact the Office of Alumni Engagement.
The Marjorie Wood Brittingham '60 Alumni in Service to Oberlin College (ASOC) fund was established by the Alumni Association to help academic departments, programs, and student groups bring alumni back to campus to lecture and meet with current students and other community members.
Alumni in Service to Oberlin College (ASOC) was established by the Alumni Association four decades ago to help departments, programs, and student groups bring alumni back to campus to lecture and meet with current students and other members of the community. The fund was named to honor Marjorie Wood Brittingham '60 for her 27 years of service to her alma mater as the Executive Director of the Oberlin Alumni Association. The Alumni Association provides grants (up to $500) to help defray transportation, housing, and meal expenses when alumni are invited to be speakers or workshop leaders for events on campus.
Funding applications may only be submitted by academic departments and student organizations. The funding may not be used to pay for stipends or for a spouse/partner’s expenses. These alumni receive no honorarium from the Office of Alumni Engagement for their efforts, contributing their time and expertise to the educational program of Oberlin.
The sponsoring department/organization is responsible for arranging the campus visit. While in town, alumni give speeches, lead workshops, and participate in informal discussions with faculty, staff, and students. They also meet with alumni office staff over breakfast to discuss their visit and life after Oberlin.
This year, in partnership with the Career Development Center, the ASOC program will be leveraged into an alumni speaker series titled "Alumni Conversations and Careers." Sponsoring departments and organizations are expected to allocate an hour on alumni schedules for individual career conversations with students in the Career Development Center.
Planning for an ASOC Guest Visit
ASOC Sponsor Guidelines and Guest Checklist
The Office of Alumni Engagement is not currently accepting applications for the upcoming academic year funding cycle.
Please note: You will receive an email confirming your ASOC application has been submitted. Please check your inbox for this message. If you do not receive an email confirmation, please check your form for submission and select submit at the bottom of the page to ensure that your submission has been completed.
Questions? Contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at: alumni@oberlin.edu or by phone at 440.775.8692.
Volunteer Reimbursement Forms
Please complete and submit these forms to be reimbursed for any expenses incurred while in service of Oberlin College and Conservatory or at related events.