The word alumni is commonly misused, so we thought we would set the record straight. All iterations of the word alumni below are defined as a graduate or former student of a school, college or institution. So, you can be considered an alumnus after having attended a school, even if you didn't graduate from that school.
- Alumnus - a male graduate or former student or used for cases intending to be gender independent
- Alumna - a female graduate or former student
- Alumni - more than one graduate or former student; originally a plural masculine form, now used for any group of graduates
- Alumnae - more than one female graduate or former student
The shortened word "alum" is also a very common informal version of alumnus or alumna and "alums" is a common informal version of alumni.
The word "alumnus" is Latin and is derived from the verb alere, which means "to nourish or be nourished." And, interestingly enough, the term "alma mater" literally translates to "nourishing mother."
The most common misconception is using "alumni" in the singular form. For example, "I am an alumni of Roanoke College" would be incorrect and should be "I am an alumnus/alumna/alum of Roanoke College."
It's not that hard, really, but if you ever do forget which term to use, just say that you are a proud Maroon!