‘Affinity Programs’ Add Value to the Alumni Experience

Much of the UC Alumni Association’s work is made possible through its relationships with “affinity partners” — which begs the question, “What are affinity partners?”

“Attending a university promotes a personal relationship with the institution, its people and its mission,” said Steve Simendinger, who chairs the UCAA committee that oversees the affinity partner relationships. “In other words, you build an affinity for your alma mater, and this relationship is usually one of the strongest bonds you’ll ever have.

“Affinity partners understand this special alumni connection,” he said. “They are businesses that offer products and services that alumni want and need, and they’re often 'alumni exclusives' and carry discounted prices. Their services carry our UCAA ‘stamp of approval.’ And a percentage of the revenue they generate comes back to the UC Alumni Association to help fund strategic initiatives that enhance the student experience and help the university achieve its UC|21 goals.”

The family of partners and programs includes:

Partner/Program:  If you’re a UC grad and you charge some of your purchases, then using a UC MasterCard through Fifth Third Bank should be your charging method of choice. The program rates and conditions stack up favorably with other credit cards, and the available designs (“UC” or “Bearcat”) let you display your pride as you prefer.
Payoff:  Increasing the number of UC MasterCards in the marketplace, and increasing the activity on those cards, will funnel crucial dollars through the UCAA to fund valuable programs throughout the university, especially academic and student-focused initiatives.

Partner/Program:  The Alumni Loan Consolidation Program helps students with post-graduate financial liability streamline and reduce their debt.
Payoff:  Alumni can realize big savings, reducing monthly payments by half or more, by locking in low interest rates. The loan-consolidation process can be done online in only 10 minutes.

Partner/Program:  For any alumni who occasionally drink or serve wine, the UC Alumni Association’s Signature Wines collection is a must. A product of California’s finest wineries, these selections have been a big hit among Bearcat wine aficionados … Imagine serving an outstanding wine with Mick and Mack on the label!
Payoff:  Excellent taste, Bearcat class, and a portion of all sales — especially those ordered online — helps fund vital UCAA activities.

Partner/Program:  Alumni are eligible for special group discounts on auto, home and renters insurance through Liberty Mutual.
Payoff:  Liberty Mutual handles group insurance programs for many universities and organizations, which drives down the costs for plan participants.

Partner/Program:  An impressive array of group medical and life insurance plans are available to UC alumni through American Insurance Administrators. Included are:
• GradMed short-term health insurance for students and alumni in transition;
• AlumniMed major medical coverage;
• AlumniLTC long-term care insurance;
• ProtectorMed+ supplemental, comprehensive medical coverage;
• AlumniAbroad travel health insurance;
• Alumni PetHealth pet insurance.
Payoff:  AIA programs are offered through a lot of universities and organizations, so premiums are low while the quality of the coverage remains high.

Partner/Program:  IBM ThinkCentre and ThinkPad products are available to UC alumni at deep discounts vs. retail prices.
Payoff:  Alumni get great new equipment, while the UC Alumni Association gets a percentage of each sale from IBM to help fund strategic initiatives.