Alumni Email Cut? A Question for LSU

The university promised lifetime access to its alumni email, but a recent notice says that will end on May 31, 2026. This change could cut off a vital link between former students and the research community. Many alumni, especially those who work in science and engineering, rely on that inbox to share papers and answer questions from colleagues worldwide. If the account is shut down, those exchanges will stop. The issue matters because Louisiana residents funded much of this research. They have a right to access the findings and to ask follow‑up questions. A permanent email address keeps that dialogue open, helping local industries stay informed about new developments in water treatment and aquaculture.Other graduates have reported missing the same notice, raising concerns that the university may not be communicating clearly. The broader effect could be a weakening of professional networks, which are increasingly important as artificial intelligence reshapes job markets. Without an alumni channel, students might feel disconnected from the institution that helped them. The university’s budget team is supposed to act in the public interest. If there are savings to be found, they should look for alternatives that do not sever alumni connections. Cutting email access would send a message that former students are expendable, potentially discouraging future donations and support. In short, keeping alumni email active is not just a courtesy; it’s a practical tool that supports research, industry, and community ties. LSU should reconsider its decision or provide a clear, alternative way for alumni to stay in touch.