Partnership Highlight: A Conversation with Michelle Curtin

Curious how one of the nation’s most respected independent schools is reimagining alumni engagement? Phillips Exeter Academy recently partnered with the Alumni Attitude Study to move beyond assumptions and gain actionable insights from their alumni community. In our new interview, Michelle Curtin, Director of Alumni Relations and Advancement Communications Strategy, shares how the survey became […]

Why Now Is the Moment to Engage Alumni: Navigating Higher Education’s Stormy Seas

Higher education is navigating unprecedented challenges: shrinking endowments, political scrutiny, declining public trust, and generational shifts in alumni expectations. In this turbulent climate, alumni engagement isn’t just a nicety: it’s a lifeline. While financial pressures might tempt institutions to cut back, the data* reveals that now is precisely the time to invest in alumni relationships. […]

Fostering Inclusivity: How Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Matter to Young Alumni

Engaging the Next Generation: Understanding Young Alumni Trends- Part 2 Young alumni are increasingly prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in their engagement with their alma mater. The Alumni Attitude Study highlights a significant interest in DEI among young alumni, with a 21% higher interest compared to older alumni. All alumni see “equity of degree” […]

The Digital Age of Alumni Engagement: Leveraging Social Media and Online Activities

Engaging the Next Generation: Understanding Young Alumni Trends- Part 5 In today’s digital landscape, engaging young alumni effectively requires a strategic approach to social media and online activities. Young alumni demonstrated a 21% higher interest in participating in online activities compared to older alumni. This demographic shift underscores the importance of leveraging digital platforms to […]

Building a Stronger Young Alumni Community: The Role of Networking and Alumni Events

Engaging the Next Generation: Understanding Young Alumni Trends- Part 4 Based on survey findings from over 30,000 young alumni who graduated over the last 10 years (from 2014 to 2024), recent graduates express a strong desire for community and networking opportunities. This demographic is eager to connect with peers and engage with their alma mater […]

The Future of Giving: Encouraging Young Alumni to Support Their Alma Mater

Engaging the Next Generation: Understanding Young Alumni Trends- Part 6 Encouraging young alumni to support their alma mater is crucial for building a strong, lifelong relationship. However, young alumni face unique financial challenges, such as college debt and career changes, which impact their willingness to donate. The Alumni Attitude Study provides valuable insights into these […]

Personalization Matters: Tailoring to Young Alumni Experiences

Engaging the Next Generation: Understanding Young Alumni Trends- Part 3 Personalization is key to effective alumni engagement. Young alumni, in particular, have unique experiences and connections that shape their relationship with their alma mater. By understanding these nuances, universities can tailor their engagement strategies to resonate more deeply with this critical demographic. Increased Affinity for […]

Unlocking Young Alumni Engagement: Insights from the Alumni Attitude Study

Engaging the Next Generation: Understanding Young Alumni Trends- Part 1 In today’s dynamic higher education landscape, engaging young alumni is crucial for building a strong, lifelong connection between graduates and their alma mater. The Alumni Attitude Study has played a pivotal role in understanding the trends and attitudes of young alumni by creating a comprehensive young […]

Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow: Engaging Young Alumni

In today’s rapidly evolving higher education landscape, understanding and effectively engaging young alumni has become more crucial than ever. To help others better understand this cohort, we looked at how over 100,000 young alumni (those who graduated in the last 10 years) responded to our surveys over the last five years. These alumni come from […]