Wilton Education Foundation helps update WHS alum data
The Wilton Bulletin
Thursday, June 23, 2005
By Julie Weisberg
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With dozens of graduations taking place throughout Connecticut last weekend, including Wilton High School's, the desire to stay in touch or reconnect with former high school classmates and friends was frequently expressed both among new and older graduates.
To help WHS graduates, the Wilton Education Foundation is spearheading an effort to update and expand the school's alumni database.
The Foundation announced late last month that it had contracted with Alumni Research, Inc. — a Florida-based company that specializes in compiling alumni directories — to collect and compile graduates' information for a new hard-bound directory. But, in addition to the traditional paper directory, the Foundation is also working with the high school to create an online community for WHS graduates.
Robert Garland, the Wilton Education Foundation member heading up the project for the local education advocacy organization, said in a recent interview with The Bulletin that, over the years, some 12,000 students have graduated from the high school. The last time the WHS alumni directory was updated was in 1998.
Because of the large number of alumni, he said it is a difficult and time-consuming to try to track down WHS graduates and update their information — especially since many graduates not only live out of town, but in other states.
“Although, there is a surprising number of alumni still in the immediate area,” Mr. Garland said.
Due to the arduous task of creating the directory, the Foundation turned to Alumni Research and their expertise in developing alumni databases.
According to the company's Web site, a school submits its current alumni database to Alumni Research. After the company receives the information it is reformatted and submitted to the National Change of Address and Directory Assistance “for a preliminary update.”
This updated data is then used to track down graduates on the list by sending them post cards and/or emails in an attempt to verify, update and expand each individual's biographical information. Once the new information is returned to the company from graduates, it is entered into the directory database. Finally, the updated database is returned to the high school, which will then use the information to create its traditional hard-bound directory. Mr. Garland said the contents of the directory will be divided into four sections: biographical, geographical, class roster, and an introductory section showcasing the school's history and highlighting important events. He added that Alumni Research will soon be contacting graduates to begin the process of compiling information for the directory.
The directory will be available to WHS alumni, the high school, and the foundation in a limited press run that will be offered one time only.
But, Mr. Garland said while the hard-bound directory will have to be purchased by graduates, the online community created for WHS alumni will feature “some free online services” that the former students can use.
And, while the project is still in the early stages as the actual process to compile the directory information will take several months, Mr. Garland said he is hopeful that once completed, WHS graduates will be able to reconnect and perhaps stay in touch with each other.
“And, to reconnect the alumni with the high school,” he said.
To be included in the directory or for more information call (800)-299-1230 or log on to www.alumniresearch.com/update.