There is a loose network of alumni groups on Yahoo!

There is even an alumni group of Dole staff members that puts out its own newsletter.

But the alumni group said the real issue was Rutgers's focus on sports.

The head of the alumni fund-raising group is telling donors not to give.

There is also an emerging alumni group of previous leaders who have now graduated.

But now industry associations, alumni groups and plain old entrepreneurs are getting into the act.

"Our goal with any alumni group is, you want the socialization," he said.

They also point to trips sold by alumni groups and museums.

This focus also helps with professional networking later in life, particularly as there are alumni groups scattered throughout the world.

The alumni group says Harvard has invested about $160 million in such companies.