Decoding "Alumni": A Comprehensive Guide to Singular and Plural Usage
Graduation marks a significant milestone, celebrated with traditions like "Pomp and Circumstance" and the presentation of diplomas. As students transition from "pupils" and "learners," they often find themselves grappling with new terms, particularly those derived from Latin. The words "alumnus," "alumna," "alumni," and "alumnae" are among these, often causing confusion. This article aims to clarify the proper usage of these terms, along with the increasingly popular "alum" and "alums."
Origins and Definitions
The terms related to graduates have Latin roots, reflecting a long-standing tradition of education. "Alumnus," the oldest of these words, originates from the Latin term for "foster son" or "pupil," dating back to the early 17th century. "Alumna," the feminine form, appeared in the mid-19th century.
Here's a breakdown of each term:
- Alumnus: The masculine singular form, referring to one male graduate. For example, "John is an alumnus of WMU."
- Alumna: The feminine singular form, referring to one female graduate. For example, "Jane is an alumna."
- Alumni: The masculine plural form, traditionally used for a group of male graduates. However, it is now commonly used to refer to a mixed-gender group of graduates. For example, "John, Jane and Mary are alumni."
- Alumnae: The feminine plural form, referring to a group of female graduates. For example, "Jane and Mary are alumnae."
- Alum: A shortened, gender-neutral singular form of either alumnus or alumna.
- Alums: The plural form of alum, referring to a group of graduates of unspecified gender.
Gender-Specific Usage
Latin grammar distinguishes more heavily based on gender than English does. In Latin, men were often the default category. While "alumni" is technically the masculine plural, it's generally accepted for groups of mixed gender. However, precise usage dictates:
- Use "alumnus" to specifically refer to a male graduate.
- Use "alumna" to specifically refer to a female graduate.
- Use "alumni" for a group of male graduates or a mixed-gender group.
- Use "alumnae" for a group consisting solely of female graduates.
The Rise of "Alum"
The complexity of these Latin terms has led to the emergence of "alum" as a simplified, gender-neutral alternative. Initially considered informal, "alum" is now widely accepted due to its ease of use. Its plural form, "alums," follows standard English pluralization rules. However, be mindful that "alum" can also refer to aluminum.
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Common Usage Scenarios and Examples
To further illustrate the correct usage, consider these examples:
- Correct: "Each alumnus and alumna is invited to attend homecoming."
- Correct: "All alumni are invited to attend homecoming."
- Incorrect: "Each alumni is invited to attend homecoming."
- Correct: "The stone seal is indelible, consecrated by the generations of alumnae who have passed by, understanding and believing."*Note: In this example the group consists solely of female graduates.
AP Style Guidelines
The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook provides specific guidelines for using these terms in journalism. AP Style distinguishes among the terms alumnus, alumni, alumna, and alumnae, each describing a specific group of graduates. AP Style specifies distinct terms to address graduates based on gender and quantity, with “alumnus” and “alumna” as the singular forms and “alumni” and “alumnae” as the plural forms.
- Alumnus: This term is singular and applies to a male graduate. For example, “John is an alumnus of Stanford University.”
- Alumna: This term is singular and applies to a female graduate. For example, “Jessica is an alumna of the University of Texas.”
- Alumni: This is the plural form of alumnus, often used for a group of male graduates or a mixed group of male and female graduates. For example, “The university welcomed alumni from the class of 2000,” which could mean an all-male or mixed group.
- Alumnae: This is the plural form of alumna and specifically refers to a group of female graduates.
In cases where it’s necessary or relevant to specify the gender of an individual graduate, AP Style uses “alumnus” for a man and “alumna” for a woman. Smith, an alumnus of Harvard Medical School, has been appointed to the board.” Here, “alumnus” indicates that Dr. Smith is male.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
A frequent error is using "alumni" to refer to an all-female group. While acceptable in some contexts, it's more precise to use "alumnae" in such cases. Additionally, avoid the slash form "alumnus/na." Instead, use "alumni" to refer to all graduates or use "alumnus and alumna" to refer to each individual.
Emeritus/Emerita/Emeriti/Emeritae
Similar to alumnus/alumna, the terms emeritus/emerita/emeriti/emeritae are used to denote retired faculty members.
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- Alumna (emerita): Singular female. Jane is an alumna. Jane is an emerita.
- Alumnus (emeritus): Singular male. John is an alumnus. John is an emeritus.
- Alumnae (emeritae): Plural female. Jane and Mary are alumnae. Jane and Mary are emeritae.
- Alumni (emeriti): Plural male and plural when both men and women are included. John, Jane and Mary are alumni. John, Jane and Mary are emeriti.
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