University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

The University of Michigan was founded in 1817, and moved from Detroit to Ann Arbor in 1837. At the time, Ann Arbor was just 13 years old, but had a booming population of some 2,000 residents. Fast forward to the present, and the University alone has more than 540,000 living alumni along with over 60 regional alumni clubs and 2,000 alumni events each year. They're spread across the globe and can be found in just about every profession, from famous actors and CEOs to astronauts, writers, and Nobel Prize winners.

But instead of gathering for an annual barbecue in James Earl Jones's backyard, U-M alumni stay connected through the Alumni Association. This independent, worldwide organization not only fosters lifelong relationships between Wolverines, but also provides career resources, learning opportunities, discounts, and other perks not available to the general public. The association is also responsible for the numerous alumni clubs sprinkled throughout the country, which get together regularly to raise funds for student scholarships and organize career-related events.