The UNT Alumni Association is making lasting connections with current students.

In August, it partnered with the Division of Student Affairs and the Office of Development to launch the Student Alumni Association. The association, open to any UNT student, is a branch of NT40, a student organization that works with alumni relations and philanthropy.

Student Alumni Association members can opt to pay $40, which counts toward UNT Alumni Association dues when the students graduate and includes a commemorative green and white tassel to wear on their mortarboard for commencement. Members can attend events, such as the Homecoming bonfire, as a group. The organization also brings awareness to donors about the importance of giving through Tuition Stop Day and encourages students to contribute to scholarships with donations as little as 37 cents through the Students Giving to Students campaign.

The UNT Alumni Association also is building relationships with future alumni through the GRADitude program. Nearing their graduation, all students can transfer the $10 property deposit they paid to UNT their first semester to fund their first year's UNT Alumni Association dues. They also have the option to order the green and white tassel, with a portion of the proceeds supporting scholarships.