May

Calling Smithsonian alumni!

The Smithsonian Alumni Committee is still getting organized (establishing a user-friendly website and regular communications), but has already obtained formal approval for the program and is represented on the SI Community Committee.

Membership is free and offers a host of benefits, including:

Networking with former Smithsonian colleagues,
Resident Associate member rates on classes and tours, and
Special rates for National Associate membership.

Smithsonian retirees are also eligible for a Retiree ID badge that makes them eligible for a 20 percent discount at museum shops and the on-line catalog, a 10 percent reduction on Smithsonian Journeys and IMAX film discounts.

Smithsonian retirees and their guests tour the Hall of Human Origins at the Natural History Museum April 27. (Photo by Mary Tannner)

The first ever alumni-only event was held April 27. Nineteen former staff and their guests were given a special tour of the new David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins at the Natural History Museum and more events are in the works.

More than 150 former SI staff signed up for the alumni program during the 2009 Folklife Festival and the Autumn Conservation Festival at the Zoo’s Front Royal facility. More information about the program is available on the Office of Human Resources’ PRISM site for retirement planning. There will be a sign-up table at the annual Staff Picnic at the 2010 Folklife Festival this summer but retirees and other alumni can sign up at any time by sending your name and personal e-mail address to SI-alum@si-listserv.si.edu.

In addition, the 2010 folklife Festival will feature a special program on Smithsonian staff and the work that we do. Volunteers will be needed to assist throughout the Festival, and sign-up information will be provided to those on the Alumni listserv or through your former organization. Please join us!