Whether out of habit or sentimentality, many people continue to carry their student ID card with them long after their time on campus as student has expired. But could a credential that no longer carries its original functionality do more than just evoke old memories?

That was the question posed in our 2015 coverage of the topic that looked at some of the tangible benefits that an alumni credential could provide. Alumni are an invaluable commodity to any college or university. Not just in the form of donations and ongoing support, but also in spreading the traditions and brand of the university. Our "Alumni cards open doors for services, engagement" offers an in-depth look at what role an alumni card could play in fostering the university's brand and image, as well as examines what is already being done with alumni cards.

In the story, learn specifically about the University of Alberta, where the ONEcard office has been issuing the Alumni ONEcards since 1996. Designed as a means to keep alumni engaged with the university beyond their time on campus, Alberta's alumni credential also offers tangible and benefits for cardholders in the forms of both discounts and access to campus facilities.

There are a number of services that campuses can provision via an alumni card. Access to campus facilities like rec centers for either be paid or included membership is a common perk. But alumni cards have also been used for access to other campus facilities like swimming pools, computer labs and a plethora of university athletics and events. Beyond access control at campus facilities, alumni cards could also be used to enable purchases at campus vending machines or dining halls and facilitate discounts at off-campus merchants and retailers.

If you campus has contemplated an alumni card, then our "Alumni cards open doors for services, engagement" from 2015 is sure to offer some valuable considerations.