From Blasts to Segments: Using Alumni Data to Build an Effective Email Calendar
The Problem: Email Fatigue Meets One-Size-Fits-All Alumni inboxes are crowded with messages that feel interchangeable: the same appeals, the same event notices, the same generic updates. When every alumnus receives the same content at the same cadence, many will experience your communications as noise rather than value. Over time, that shows up as lower open […]
Beyond the Reunion: Building a Hybrid Alumni Programming Strategy
A stronger alumni events strategy is not just about offering more programs; it is about offering the right mix of formats, topics, and access points for different alumni segments. National practice increasingly points toward hybrid models that combine in-person, virtual, regional, and on-demand elements, reflecting the diverse realities of young alumni, mid‑career professionals, retirees, and […]
Alumni Attitudinal Indices: Unlocking Targeted Engagement with Data-Driven Insights
In a competitive landscape where alumni engagement and philanthropic outcomes increasingly depend on personalization, colleges and universities need more than generic approaches to outreach. Data-driven insight is the foundation of effective engagement. The development and use of the Alumni Attitude Study’s Alumni Attitudinal Indices (AAI) and related “Indices of Interest” represent a breakthrough in understanding, […]
From Yesterday to Tomorrow: The New Motto for Alumni Success
A Note from Rob Shoss, President & Managing Consultant: As I talk with advancement professionals around the country, I often hear them ask, “How do I get alumni to focus on how they can support their alma mater? Alumni need to understand that the university cannot succeed without their support.” When I hear this, I […]
Strategic Approaches to Boost Alumni Engagement Using Preparedness for Life Data
Trivia Answer: True! Alumni who report that their collegiate experience strongly prepared them for their life are more than twice as likely to donate and three times as likely to participate in mentoring or professional networking events than those who report feeling unprepared. The connection between alumni’s level of preparedness for life and engagement opens […]
Preparedness for Life: The Leading Indicator for Lifelong Alumni Engagement
In the world of alumni relations, engagement is the lifeblood of sustaining connections, financial support, and community vitality. Yet, what factors drive alumni to remain active and committed over decades? New research by the Alumni Attitude Study identifies a fundamental element that shapes enduring alumni engagement: alumni perception of their preparedness for life. This blog […]
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 […]