Alumni: plural, masculine; preferred plural form when referring to both men and women Alumnae: plural, feminine
Alumnus: singular, masculine Alumna: singular, feminine Alum/Alums: Do not use the informal “alum” or “alums” unless part of a direct quotation or via social media.
For external audiences, do not use abbreviations or possessive numerals for class year, parent designations or for any other Kentucky State University affiliations or honors. Instead include this information in copy as relevant and necessary. Diane Smith, a 1976 graduate of Kentucky State University and parent of two current students, is in charge of the homecoming committee (not Diane Smith '76...). Diane Smith of the Class of 1976 is in charge of the homecoming committee. See also: “class years”
Renee Christian '86, '89 M.A., '93 Ph.D. (She has three degrees from Kentucky State.) In fundraising contexts, refer to the parent of a Kentucky State student or graduate in this manner: Vanessa Davis P'19 If the parent is also a Kentucky State graduate: Sara Parker '66, P'19 To indicate a parent of more than one Kentucky State graduate, include the class years of all children in chronological order, separated by one space: Thomas Brown P'19 '16 For use in only relevant contexts, where a person's role as a grandparent relates to the content (e.g., a profile about a family in a fundraising brochure to parents), refer to grandparents of Kentucky State students in this manner: Debra Frank GP'19 In this example, the grandparent is an alumna and a Kentucky State parent:
Debra Frank GP'19 In this example, the grandparent is an alumna and a Kentucky State parent: Michele Allen '56, P'86, GP'17 '19