Ryan: What led to your decision to partner with PEG Ltd for the Alumni Attitude Study?
Rodger: We were aiming to enhance our understanding and connection with our alumni community to inform our outreach and programming efforts. Specifically, we sought to engage both alumni and our broader community of families. After researching potential partners in the field, we chose PEG Ltd. due to their extensive experience spanning decades in this area. Their track record with various institutions, regardless of size, clearly demonstrated that their expertise aligned with our needs for this project.
Ryan: Could you share your experience collaborating with the PEG team? 
Rodger: Working with Rob and Ally was a collaborative, engaging, and enjoyable experience. Rob brought substantial expertise and guidance, while Ally ensured smooth operations from start to finish – from initial design to the creation of a functional survey instrument. Their partnership went beyond sharing examples from other institutions; they actively contributed insights and expertise throughout the project. They helped envision the project as one of the largest virtual events for our community. Instead of treating it solely as a survey, they guided us in creating an instrument to listen to our community, collecting direct feedback to shape our programs, outreach, and engagement activities.
Ryan: How have the study results influenced decisions about resource allocation and programs at Pomona?
Rodger: The study produced several significant insights, with a key finding being that our community desired greater levels of engagement on all fronts. They expressed a desire for more event invitations, irrespective of their ability to attend. This prompted us to reconsider our assumptions about event attendance and geographical considerations. A notable takeaway was the importance of increasing communication. Additionally, while generational differences existed, the survey highlighted some important and consistent themes. They viewed themselves as alumni who underwent a transformative experience marked by analytical and intellectual rigor. This extended to their connections with faculty, clubs, activities, and cohorts. Insights from the study, including a word cloud of beloved faculty members, helped us identify impactful relationships that shaped campus experiences.
Ryan: Were there any surprising aspects in the study results?
Rodger: Contrary to my expectations, there was less polarization of responses between generations. Spanning graduates from seven decades, the survey revealed the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resonance of socio-demographic shifts over the years. The survey underscored the significance of Pomona’s forward-thinking role in progressively driving changes and excellence over the last century.
Ryan: What feedback did you receive from participating alumni about the study?
Rodger: We received direct feedback via email including some follow-up phone calls. We created an infographic for our magazine, and many noted that the survey was comprehensive and informative. Some alumni expressed interest in further delving into class specific nuances, which we are continuing to explore in this multi-year project.’. Another takeaway was keen interest in the presentation and celebration of alumni success stories. The survey highlighted the importance of asking, listening, and sharing these insights with our community.
Ryan: Would you recommend PEG Ltd and the Alumni Attitude Study to other VPs of Advancement? If so, why?
Rodger: I wholeheartedly recommend the Alumni Attitude Study facilitated by PEG Ltd to other institutional leaders. PEG’s decades of experience across institutions of varying sizes make them an invaluable partner. Their thought leadership, strategic insights, and flexibility stand out. We managed our data while directly deploying the survey link through our systems, which streamlined the process and minimized the burdens typically associated with such projects. In addition, PEG’s presentation of key findings received positive feedback and their exceptional design and implementation process made my role as project manager significantly smoother.
Rob and Ally are highly collaborative and resourceful partners who are deeply committed to helping you successfully implement this “virtual event” for your community.