Alumni Are Forever. Alumni Email Addresses Are Not.

Duke University, like other institutions, is discontinuing lifetime alumni email services due to escalating technology costs and cybersecurity risks. This decision has caused significant dissatisfaction among alumni who were previously guaranteed the service indefinitely, highlighting a tension between operational necessity and long-term commitments.

Why it matters

This development highlights the long-term financial and security implications of digital service provision, requiring institutions to balance perpetual commitments against evolving operational realities. It underscores the need for robust strategic planning regarding technology infrastructure, cost management, and constituent engagement over extended periods.

Key insights

• Duke University is ceasing lifetime access to alumni email addresses.
• The primary drivers for this policy change are rising technology costs and increased cybersecurity threats.
• Alumni express feelings of betrayal, as the service was initially promised for a lifetime.
• This situation reflects a broader trend among institutions facing similar operational challenges.

Source

Inside Higher Ed — https://www.insidehighered.com/news/tech-innovation/2026/08/28/alumni-are-forever-alumni-email-addresses-arent