From the Nominator

The Olivet Nazarene University Alumni Office launched the current version of its Olivet Advocacy initiative in July of 2018. Olivet Advocates were classified under three categories: Church, Industry, and School Advocates. Our initial goal was to recruit 100 Olivet Advocates who would recommend students, help recent graduates find jobs, and be willing to “think and speak Olivet” wherever they went. We grew from 30 Advocates the first year to more than 200 in early 2020. However, Olivet Advocacy took on a new look in the fall. With the launch of the “Great People Know Great People” campaign, the purpose of Olivet Advocacy changed from recruiting advocates to recruiting students.

Prior to 2020, the Alumni Office received approximately 500 student recommendations each year. This new campaign generated more than 3,000 high school student recommendations in just over six months. We encouraged participation by sending a free T-shirt to each high school student recommended, along with sending a gift to the alumnus or friend who submitted the recommendation. These gifts ranged from an Olivet tote bag and sticker in exchange for one recommendation, to an Olivet-branded YETI Rambler for the select few reaching 100 student recommendations.

Along with more than 3,000 high school student recommendations, more than 600 alumni and friends participated in the campaign. By changing our approach, we improved upon our yearly average six-fold and, most important, built a strong foundation of alumni and friends who have demonstrated their trust in and love for their alma mater—tried and true Olivet Advocates.

From the Judges

Olivet Advocacy illustrated its strong community and alumni support through the advocate network. It is clear this thoughtful planning and execution allowed for this program to thrive.