UNIVERSITY PARK – The Penn State Alumni Association today (June 7) released a new national survey of its alumni, conducted by market research firm StrategyOne. The study’s purpose was to better understand alumni views and opinions on a variety of issues about Penn State, including recent events.
“These last seven months have been difficult for Penn Staters everywhere,” said Rodney Kirsch, Penn State senior vice president for Development and Alumni Relations. “We’ve heard from thousands of alumni, and we felt it was important to proactively reach out in a measured way that ensures we understand what our alumni think and then communicate those results openly to the entire Penn State community.”
Every three years, the Alumni Association conducts a national survey of alumni attitudes toward Penn State, membership and current events. Last conducted in 2009, the alumni opinion survey was designed to benchmark historical trends in attitudes and behaviors among alumni.
“This survey helps to quantify the connection our alumni feel toward and about the Alumni Association and Penn State,” said Kirsch.
Some of the findings include:
— Eighty-two percent of Penn State alumni feel positive about the University;
— Ninety-seven percent are satisfied with their student experience;
— Fifty-eight percent of alumni are critical of the University’s handling of Joe Paterno;
— Twenty percent are critical of the University’s handling of former President Graham Spanier.
To access the full survey results, go to http://www.alumni.psu.edu/researchandreports and click on “Alumni Opinion Survey Results.”
David La Torre, Penn State University