From the Nominator

In 2023, the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) hosted an exclusive, virtual event called Tea With the President for founding members of the Sentinel Society--RIT's leading annual-giving donors. Attendees were recognized for the impact of their collective giving and got to interact with RIT's president. Sentinel Society members received a surprise invitation to the event, as well as an exclusive alumni-created tea called "Chai of the Tigers." It was hosted as a Zoom meeting, so that all attendees (local and out-of-town) had the opportunity to interact with each other, the vice president of university advancement, and RIT’s president. The donor relations and stewardship team worked closely with colleagues in advancement marketing and communications and production services to execute this virtual experience. RIT’s president shared recent university news, campus updates, and the progress of the strategic plan. He took live questions and thanked members for their generosity and support of RIT. Members also heard from the Chado Tea alumni who created the tea and who discussed how an RIT education prepared them for success in their family's business. The Sentinel Society officially launched in 2021 and was celebrated with a virtual "Coffee With the President" event. This virtual tea was chosen to celebrate the successful close of the founding phase of the Sentinel Society--the perfect complement to the original launch event.

From the Judges

This entry combines alumni resources and relationships with the needs of the university, thereby fostering deeper advancement relationships. It is relatively versatile, as a similar strategy can be tailored to target multiple populations. This initiative embodies a holistic approach, weaving together a thoughtful and seamless integration between relationships, development/advancement, and retail.