The Society of Art Center Alumni was founded in 1960 with a budget based in annual dues. Although support for the Society was provided by the college, it was a separate organization. During the 1970s, the Society’s most important activity was a juried exhibit of alumni work for which they produced a catalog. During this era, the annual meeting was an opportunity to showcase the alumni work created during the previous year.

In 1982 the society became the Art Center College of Design Alumni Association. At this time, the college took over management of the association, and membership became automatic (and free) after graduation. Instead of annual dues, an annual alumni fund drive was established.

During the early 1990s, the cohesion of the association dissipated some, and in an effort to bring back focus to the group, the Alumni Council was founded in 1997. Over the years, the office responsible for the Alumni programs has been called “Alumni Relations” and “Alumni Affairs.” The Art Center staff liaison has had different titles and levels of responsibility as well.

In September 2007 the office left Advancement and merged with Career Services (under Student Affairs) and became Office of Career Development and Alumni Relations. They maintained their work, while developing joint projects.

In November 2008, Alumni Relations moved to the Office of Development (formerly Advancement).

Toward the end of 2017 Alumni Relations changed names to the Alumni Office and sometimes referred to as Alum Network.

Staff
Karla Martell, Alumni Secretary, 1960-1981
Sylvia Bennett, Alumni Secretary, 1981-1984
Margaret Brucato, Alumni Secretary and later Director, 1984-ca. 1986
Jean Keefe Parry, Director and later V.P. Alumni and Public Affairs, ca. 1986-ca. 1996
Julie (Dudler) Tint, Director, ca. 1996-ca. 2000
Leslie Marcus, Director, 2001-2003
Jessica Carey, Director, 2003-2007
Kristine Bowne, Director, 2007 - ?
Robbie Nock, Director, ? - 2017 February
Keiko Doi, Director, 2017-present