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About Us
What is RCAAA?
Founded in 1959, Robert College Alumni Association of America (RCAAA) is a non-profit, US-based alumni association providing information and services to Robert College (RC) graduates, family and friends living outside Turkey. The RC alumni body is comprised of graduates and former faculty members of Robert College or Robert Academy (RC or RA - formerly located at the Bebek campus), the American School for Girls (ACG - formerly located at both the Arnavutkoy and Uskudar campuses) and more recently, Robert College American High School (RC - currently located at the Arnavutkoy campus). As of 2006, the RCAAA database included nearly 1,700 alumni and friends around the world (excluding members in Turkey, who are serviced by RCAAA's sister organization, Robert Kolej Mezunlar Dernegi in Istanbul). The RCAAA network expands annually as new graduates come to the US for their college education. Since the majority of RC graduates outside Turkey are concentrated in the Northeastern US (37%), most RCAAA social activities are organized in the New York metropolitan area. As membership, interest and participation develop, RCAAA will establish local chapters and extend activities outside New York. RCAAA is a non-profit organization operating under Section 501(c) 3 status in the US.

Who runs RCAAA?
All functions and activities of RCAAA are administered and executed by a panel of RC graduates, elected every year by Dues Paying Members at the Annual RCAAA Board Meeting. RCAAA Board Members are volunteers and perform their duties with no financial benefits or compensation. All RC graduates are enthusiastically encouraged to join the RCAAA Board to help improve value and relevance to the RC community.

What does RCAAA do?
RCAAA's goal is to support RC by keeping RC friends and alumni in touch with the school and one another, as well as by supporting the efforts of Robert College Trustees. Some RCAAA activities include:
  1. Keeping the RC spirit fresh by maintaining an active RC community outside Turkey.
    This is achieved through Member communications as well as social and cultural events of interest to the RC community. Current services include:
    • RCAAA Website (www.rcaaa.org). Launched in 2006, this site provides information on RCAAA activities and facilitates communication within the RC family.
    • Young Alumni Dinner. Organized every Fall, current and recent RC graduates are invited to network, catch up with friends and enjoy Turkish fare in an informal setting.
    • Annual Spring Dinner. Organized every Spring, this event gathers RC alumni and friends of all ages to enjoy guest speakers and an informal evening of socializing and dinner.
    • Annual Board Meeting. Held once a year in December, this is a meeting where RCAAA Board Members share annual updates and financials with Dues Paying Members. The election of RCAAA Board Members is also held during the Annual Board Meeting.
    • Other RCAAA Activities include a variety of social and cultural events in New York. Past events have included bar nights at NY restaurants (such as Dervish, Beyoglu, etc.), guest speakers (such as Prof. Ratte, Alev Aksoy Croutier, etc.), behind-the-scenes museum tours (such as Newark Science Museum in NJ, Museum of Natural History in NY, Barnes Museum in PA, etc.) and others.
  2. Complementing the efforts of the Trustees of Robert College.
    RCAAA also provides limited financial assistance to extend and enhance the fund-raising efforts of Robert College Trustees. Some of the worthy programs include:
    • Extending financial assistance to one current RC student or contributing to the RC General Scholarship Fund ($5,000 - $10,000 annually).
    • Making a financial donation to the RC Sait Halman Computer Center ($1,000 annually).
    • Providing a select number of RC graduates planning to attend US colleges with Welcome to USA Awards (total of $2,000 - $4,000 for two to four students annually).
What is the source of RCAAA funds?
The sole source of RCAAA's funds is the money collected (dues plus contributions) from Dues Paying Members. The level of financial assistance RCAA can provide to RC and its students is directly proportional to monies collected from members on an annual basis. Your generous support will be much appreciated.

What are the benefits of becoming an RCAAA Dues Paying Member?
All Dues Paying Members receive the following benefits:
  • RCAAA Alumni ID Card, which provides free access to Bizimtepe facilities and the RC campus in Arnavutkoy.
  • Use of the RC School Library (year-round) and Sports Facilities (during school holidays) on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  • Member Status at Bizimtepe (daily and seasonal), including use of their pool and tennis facilities.
  • Membership on RCAAA Board
How do I become a Dues Paying Member?
In January 2007, we introduced a coordinated effort between the Robert College Alumni Association of America (RCAAA) and the RC Board of Trustees that will maximize our efforts in support of Robert College. Our objective is to focus on our institutional goals and to unite our efforts into one single appeal for our school. To become a dues paying member of RCAAA and to contribute to Robert College Annual Giving, please simply print and complete the Annual Giving Form (pdf) and forward it to the address provided, along with your check payable to "Robert College of Istanbul". You can also visit Robert College Annual Giving website by clicking here to make a payment online. $20 of your contribution will go towards your RCAAA membership dues and any additional contributions would go to support Robert College.
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