Strengthening Institutional Attachment and Professional Pride: Roles and Strategies of the Alumni Association of Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Khon Kaen
Keywords:
institutional attachment; professional pride; alumni association; nursing; academic networkAbstract
Nurses are the backbone of health systems worldwide, and retaining a competent nursing workforce requires not only continuous professional development but also a strong sense of institutional attachment and professional pride among graduates. This academic article aims to (1) describe the concepts and importance of strengthening institutional attachment and professional pride among nursing alumni, drawing on organizational commitment, professional identity, and communities of practice, and (2) analyze the roles and strategies of the Alumni Association of Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Khon Kaen as a case of a non-profit alumni nursing organization.
The article synthesizes relevant literature and practical experiences of the association to present three main areas. First, it outlines core concepts related to alumni–institution relationships, professional identity formation, and the role of alumni bodies as communities of practice. Second, it describes key roles of the association in building academic networks and continuing professional development, fostering intergenerational relationships and mentorship, supporting the college and student development, and contributing to community health and the public image of the nursing profession. Third, it proposes strategic recommendations for strengthening alumni associations at three levels: the association itself, nursing education institutions, and professional/national policy level.
The article argues that when alumni associations develop clear visions and strategies, link their activities to continuing nursing education systems and the Nursing Council’s standards, and effectively mobilize academic networks and digital technologies, they can significantly enhance both institutional attachment and professional pride among alumni, while simultaneously supporting graduate quality and sustainable community health.
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