alma mater

Do not italicize in regular usage. Capitalize only when referring to a proper name.

Thank you for supporting your alma mater.

The Citadel Alma Mater (name of song).

alumni

Use the word “alum” to denote a single graduate, male or female. “Alumnus” refers to a single male graduate, “alumna,” to a single female graduate. The word “alumni” is plural and should only be used to refer to a group of male graduates or mixed group of graduates. The plural for female graduates is “alumnae.”

Alumni Association

Upon second reference, can be referred to as just the “association.”

board of directors

Capitalize when referring to a specific board (e.g., The Citadel Foundation’s Board of Directors). Do not capitalize “board” or “director(s)” when used separately.

Several new members were appointed to the board of directors.

The board also approved two new directors to fill vacant spots.