Using "Alumni", "Alumnae", "Alumnus", and "Alumna"

Alumni

plural masculine or generic

Example: "Elmer, Billy Bob, Zelda Mae, and Brunhilda miraculously graduated last year. They are alumni of Finalsite Academy."  

Alumnae

plural feminine

Example: "My two daughters are alumnae of Finalsite Academy."    

Alumnus

singular masculine or generic

Example: "John graduated in May, and he's officially an alumnus of Finalsite Academy."

Alumna

singular feminine

Example: "Cindy is an alumna of Finalsite Academy, with a Bachelor's degree in Underwater Basket Weaving."

Aluminum

A lightweight metal alloy that generally should not be used in reference to any alumni, male or female.

Common errors and how to fix them:

Error: "I'm an alumni."  It's like saying "I'm a students."

Correct: Women say, "I'm an alumna."

Correct: Men say, "I'm an alumnus."