This manual is designed to help you as you go about the very important task of keeping Duke's alumni concerned about and involved in the affairs of the University. As one in a leadership role, you serve as the strong link between the university and its 120,000 active alumni. The successful completion of the charge given to you as an alumni leader is vital to the continued well-being of Duke University.

This manual seeks to address many of the issues that are common to alumni Clubs, and to provide clear, pragmatic guidelines. While it may not provide answers to every question or every need, we hope it will address most of them. One should also remember that not all guidelines are applicable to every Club or every situation; flexibility is an important tool for a successful alumni Club. As you put this manual into use, we welcome your comments and ideas. Your suggestions and experiences will be valuable to us for future revisions and may provide other Club presidents with new ideas. The role of the Alumni Affairs Office is to assist you with the important work you have undertaken, and we are always ready to answer any special questions or concerns.