La Salle University’s Alumni Association was established on September 5, 1916 with the goal to cultivate brotherhood among matriculants and graduates, foster the general welfare of the College, and advance the causes of higher education. In 1917 it released its first publication, The Budget, which was a monthly report of college activities and updates on graduates.

The Alumni Association remained strong through the 1920s, but it really began to expand in the 1950s. In 1952 it created an alumni giving program to help with the College's expansion. The growth of the College, and therefore alumni, brought the establishment of regional chapters in 1957 as well as specialty groups, like the Alumni Medical Society. It also saw the creation of an Alumni Relations Office and the position of Director of Alumni.

From the 1960s onward, the Alumni Association began offering more events and programming. For example, in 1961 it helped establish the Hall of Athletes; in 1963 it presented its first memorial award in honor of John J. Finley, '24; in 1964 it held its first Homecoming Weekend; and in 1969 it started an annual basketball dinner. Ensuing years would see the creation of the Golden Explorers Club; Book Fairs; the Warren E. Smith, PhD, '54 Award; and the Explorer Club.