In today's competitive landscape, engaging donors and alumni effectively is crucial, even when resources are limited. Big budgets do not always equal big impact! In this session, seasoned engagement professionals from Washington and Lee University and UVA's Darden School of Business will unveil their most impactful donor touches and event enhancements that cost nothing and will share lessons learned. This session will highlight ways to leverage existing resources and partnerships and will showcase practical, cost-effective ideas that add value and authenticity to your events. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to elevate their engagement and stewardship programs. The session will be interactive, featuring case studies, practical examples, and opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and discussion. Come prepared with your best event extras to share with the group!

Higher Education's challenges are numerous and complex. Are you ready to lead? This panel of current and former college and university vice presidents, will stimulate your thinking about how to turn challenges into successes. How will we approach challenges such as declining trust in higher education, continued declines in donor participation and event attendance, national cultural/political divisions, board and legislative intrusion, uses of A.I., recruiting and retaining talent, staff work expectations, and managing multiple constituencies. Bring your questions to ask your C-Suite colleagues who serve on their respective presidents' cabinets.

Learn how the Western Kentucky University (WKU) Alumni Association, in collaboration with the WKU Office of the Provost, the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning, and five academic colleges, created the CASE Circle of Excellence Silver award-winning First-Generation Alumni in Residence program. Discover how this initiative and the broader First-Generation Alumni Advocates program are building a supportive community and enhancing student success for first-generation college students at WKU. With over 35% of all undergraduates being first-generation college students, creating support programs that connects them with first-generation alumni is crucial. These students often come from low-income or minority backgrounds, are less likely to use career-planning services, and have lower participation in extracurricular activities, making alumni mentorship vital for their academic and professional success.

Learn practical strategies for leveraging first-generation alumni experiences to inspire current first-generation students, create meaningful connections, and promote institutional commitment to first-generation success. This session will provide actionable insights for building and sustaining a scalable first-generation alumni network that pays it forward, making a lasting impact on your institution and its community.

"Every person on the planet has sass and smart-sass qualities in them." - Dictionary.com . Do you know and have the skill sets to solicit, acknowledge, and steward the gifts your charity seeks? What are the most important attributes in each category? If you've closed the gift and acknowledged why should you be included in the stewardship?

Join us for 'Navigating the Managerial Odyssey,' where we explore the evolving challenges and triumphs of managing at every career stage. From guiding early career professionals to navigating complex managerial landscapes and influencing strategic decisions as senior leaders, this session offers practical insights and strategies for success. Whether you're a new manager, a seasoned middle manager, or a senior executive, discover actionable advice and leadership wisdom that transcends hierarchical boundaries. Don’t miss this engaging discussion designed to elevate your managerial prowess and inspire effective leadership!

Tune in for an enlightening session that will transform the way you think about alumni engagement and student success! Discover innovative strategies to connect students and alumni beyond academic disciplines, creating a vibrant community of diverse experiences. Learn how to showcase alumni success stories in a way that celebrates their journey beyond graduation and inspires current students. We’ll guide you through establishing a seamless transition from student to engaged alumnus, nurturing a legacy of involvement and giving back. Plus, gain insights into effective tracking methods to quantify the positive ripple effects of alumni interactions on student growth. Don’t miss this chance to enrich your institution’s culture with the power of alumni voices!

Relationship building is the heart of philanthropy. The listening skills a fundraiser needs to be successful at building strong relationships with donors and prospects differs from your usual listening activities in work and life. In this session, you’ll learn the components of active listening and how to develop your listening skills to build solid and lasting relationships. This session will focus on building cultural competencies and practicing emotional intelligence to take your fundraising to the next level.

This presentation delves into the motivational psyche of millennial alumni donors at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), particularly exploring Florida A&M University (FAMU) graduates' giving behaviors. It unpacks the critical factors that drive this demographic to engage in philanthropy, presenting a multifaceted view of alumni giving that interweaves personal belief systems, institutional connections, transparency in fund utilization, and the financial capability of individuals as they progress in their careers.

Through an exploratory qualitative analysis, the study bridges the gap between traditional alumni giving strategies and the evolving philanthropic landscape shaped by millennials. It underscores the significance of tailored communication, acknowledging the generational demand for transparency and the impact of personal growth experienced during the formative college years on later financial giving.

Explore the evolution of annual giving strategies from traditional methods such as phonation and mailers, to creative communications and digital engagement in this insightful session. Discover how innovative approaches in online giving, digital communications, social media integration, and texting have transformed the landscape of annual fundraising. Gain a deeper understanding of how these advancements have revitalized and reengaged alumni and donors, paving the way for a more inclusive, effective, dynamic and modern annual giving model.

Everyone wishes to better engage with their alumni and donors, but how do you leverage digital technology to so? The Marketing & Digital Strategy team at Emory Advancement & Alumni Engagement will showcase our approach to marketing and digital engagement and how we've strategically utilized digital technology to create a cohesive and tailored approach to build trusting and lifelong relationships with alumni and donors.