What term refers to graduates staying connected to their college?

The term that refers to graduates staying connected to their college is "Alumni." This word is used to describe individuals who have completed a degree or course of study at a particular institution and often denotes a lifelong connection to their college or university. Alumni often engage in activities such as reunions, networking events, and mentorship opportunities, which strengthen their ties to the institution and to each other. This relationship can provide significant benefits, including professional networking and a sense of belonging to a larger community, as well as opportunities to contribute to the college through donations or support.

While the other terms may relate to different aspects of connection or groups within the college context, they do not specifically capture the essence of graduates maintaining a continued relationship with their alma mater the way "alumni" does. For example, a "network" could refer to various relationships or connections but is more general. A "chapter" may refer to a subset of alumni in a specific location or organization, and an "association" may imply a formal organization that serves alumni but does not encapsulate the broader concept of graduates staying connected to their college.