From the Nominator

"Munster Technological University (MTU) is a multi-campus technological university in the South West of Ireland that was established on 1st January 2021 by the merging of two institutes of technology over 100 kilometers in distance from each another. Engagement between relevant staff from alumni functions in respective institutions commenced in March 2020, nine months prior to the merger.  

Alumni engagement and fundraising professionals from the UK delivered a remote workshop to explore the process of creating an effective multi-campus alumni function for the university. The workshop's aim was to develop a shared vision for MTU's alumni function and its operation across the multiple campuses, as well as identify the workstreams required for a successful merger. Workshop goals were to: 

• Identify an effective model of collaboration for a multi-campus university alumni function

• Learn from those who have been through a university merger with a focus on the alumni function

• Understand the steps involved to develop a strategy to move toward an MTU multi-campus alumni function

• Consider resources required to meet the ambitions of an MTU alumni function

During the course of the workshop, feedback was documented from attendees to develop a practical “Best Practice Road Map” outlining the steps involved in moving toward an MTU multi-campus alumni function. This incorporated an analysis of the resources required to support the merger."

From the Judges

The approach that MTU took on the merger was exceptional. Laying a foundation prior to the large changes they knew were ahead was transformational to their alumni work.