It’s no secret that many children like to follow in their parents’ footsteps along the path of life, including some who aspire to attend the alma maters of the older folks. Realizing that, the FGCU Alumni Association wants to ensure those little feet head toward the school entrances along Ben Hill Griffin Parkway when they are still in toddler shoe sizes.
The Alumni Association has introduced the Future Eagles Club, which was unveiled in February at the Breakfast With Azul event during Homecoming Weekend. For a $20 membership fee, fledgling Eaglets get exclusive birthday gifts and invitations to what Director of Alumni Relations Kim Wallace (’09, M.A. School Counseling; ’06, B.A. Communication-Public Relations) calls “spirited events designed to educate children about university legacies and strengthen their bond to the place loved by Eagles everywhere.”
Children up to age 17 can be enrolled at any time, after which they’ll get a welcome card from Eagle mascot Azul, a special age-appropriate birthday gift, invitations to on-campus events and what Wallace calls “seasonal surprises.”
“We are starting the program because our average alumni age is 33,” Wallace said. “Our alumni are starting families, and we want to ensure that FGCU is with them every step of the way.”
Although the Alumni Association is specifically targeting children of FGCU alums, Wallace said the Future Eagles Club is “open to all Eagles fans,” meaning any child in the greater community can join.
Wallace confirmed that two charter members of the club are the children she shares with her husband, fellow FGCU alum Darrin Wallace (’05, Liberal Studies): Kailyn, 4, and Austin, 2.