An "alumnus" is a person who has graduated from a particular school, college, or university. The term is often used to refer specifically to male graduates, while "alumna" refers to female graduates. Collectively, graduates of an institution are called "alumni." Alumni play an important role in the life of educational institutions, often participating in events, mentoring current students, and contributing to fundraising efforts. Many schools maintain alumni networks to help former students stay connected and support each other in their professional endeavors.