ATHENS, Ohio -- The Ohio University Alumni Association is hoping its recent efforts to tune students in to the benefits of continuing their involvement with the university after graduation will mean increased alumni support in years to come. For now, it's happy to settle for a pair of national awards -- one for programming and another recognizing the leadership of an Office of Alumni Relations staff member.

The association's "Take a Slice of Ohio University with You" event this past spring drew more than 500 graduating seniors to Konneker Alumni Center. The idea was to introduce the soon-to-be alumni to the association's programs and services and give them a chance to talk with chapter leaders about job hunting, relocating and the benefits of networking with fellow graduates. The association lured them with a lineup of interesting activities and a favorite staple of college diets: pizza.

The Association of Student Advancement Programs, or ASAP, recognized the event on a national level with its 2002 Outstanding Program Award and named Jennifer Heisey, the Office of Alumni Relations' assistant director of outreach and engagement, the year's Outstanding Adviser.

The awards were presented at this summer's national ASAP convention in St. Louis. Heisey and eight members of the Ohio University Student Alumni Board attended the convention, which drew more than 550 students and advisers from around the country.

"Take a Slice of Ohio University with You" is representative of efforts by the alumni association and Office of Alumni Relations to connect with students before they leave campus. Alumni from across the country assisted with the event, which drew volunteers from North Carolina, Texas, Illinois, Colorado and Ohio.

"We need to have contact with students and educate them about the benefits of being active alumni before they're spread out all over the world," Heisey said. "We really need to make that investment in them while they're still here."

Heisey, who joined the Alumni Relations staff in April 2001, serves as adviser to the university's Student Alumni Board and also advises students in ASAP's six-state District 5 region. Student Alumni Board members nominated her for the top adviser award.

"That really makes it special," Heisey said. "That makes it a genuine honor."

Two years ago, the national award went to Mike Worley, Alumni Relations' director of outreach and engagement.

"Jennifer brings a lot of great ideas and perspective to the table," said SAB President Brandis Thornton, an Ohio University junior and ASAP's District 5 representative. "She can be your mentor and your friend. She's also really good about knowing when to step back and let the students take charge."

A three-day District 5 conference to be held on the Athens campus April 11 through 13 will draw about 300 students from 50 member institutions in the six-state region.