'alumni-centric' originates from modern English, combining 'alumni' (from Latin 'alumnus', meaning 'foster son, pupil') and the combining form '-centric' (ultimately from Greek 'kentrikos' via Late Latin/French, meaning 'centered').

'alumni' derives from Latin 'alumnus' which entered Medieval and then Modern Latin and was borrowed into English as 'alumnus' (plural 'alumni'); the suffix '-centric' comes from Greek 'kentrikos' -> Late Latin/French forms and entered English as a productive combining form used in compounds (e.g., 'ethnocentric', 'egocentric'). The compound 'alumni-centric' is a modern English formation combining these elements.

Initially the components meant 'former pupil' (alumnus) and 'centered' (-centric); over time they were combined in modern usage to mean 'centered on or prioritizing alumni.'