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.

In today’s dynamic service-oriented environments, navigating change effectively is crucial for advancing organizational goals and maintaining competitiveness. This session explores key strategies essential for leadership in guiding advancement services through transformation. We will share our preferred principles of leading change, overcoming resistance, and strategies for success in building great teams and elevating culture. With considerable depth and breadth of experiences at small and large institutions, our lessons learned, and real-world examples provide practical insights for effective leadership in advancement services through a proactive approach to change management and fostering a culture of innovation and resilience.

Unleash the power of Generative AI (GenAI) to revolutionize your work! This session will explore how AI-powered tools can help you work efficiently, personalize outreach, develop data-informed strategies, streamline processes, and drive innovation in your daily work and across advancement. Discover real-world case studies of applications and share your strategies for integrating AI into your daily toolkit, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly evolving landscape.

In an era where diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential, the representation of young alumni on national alumni association boards is more critical than ever. This session will delve into the opportunities and inclusive practices that can help amplify young alumni voices, drawing from my personal experience as the youngest board member on my alma mater's national alumni association boards.

Learn effective strategies to engage and motivate your college advisory board to actively participate in fundraising efforts. This presentation covers best practices for setting clear expectations, building strong relationships, leveraging members' networks, and providing the tools and support needed for successful fundraising. Whether you’re looking to boost annual giving or secure major gifts, this comprehensive resource will help you harness the full potential of your advisory board to meet and exceed your financial goals.

Discover how to cultivate a powerful alliance between your institution's advancement office and its Black Alumni Network. This session will explore strategic approaches to foster meaningful connections, enhance alumni engagement, and leverage the unique strengths of Black alumni for mutual growth and success. Attendees will gain insights into collaborative initiatives, effective communication strategies, and innovative programs that drive alumni satisfaction and institutional advancement. Join us to learn how to create a synergistic partnership that empowers Black alumni and propels your institution forward.

Learn about the sustained success of William & Mary's Society of 1918 women's philanthropy initiative. Beginning its 7th year, the Society continues to grow in numbers and impact and is now comprised of over 600 women who are philanthropically committed to W&M. The success of the Society is borne out of existing research and 6 proven principles derived from Kathleen Loehr's Gender Matters: A Guide to Growing Women's Philanthropy. We will share both our successes and lessons learned along the way. This session is a fit for you whether you are exploring the potential return on investment, currently launching or striving to sustain and grow your women's philanthropy initiative.

We will delve into the intricate landscape of alumni engagement spanning across generations. From Baby Boomers to Gen Z, understanding the diverse needs, preferences, and communication styles across different generations is crucial for fostering meaningful connections and sustaining relationships with alumni. Led by alumni professionals from Generation X and Generation Z, this insightful discussion will provide practical strategies as participants explore how to effectively engage alumni of all ages while leveraging their own technology, storytelling, and personalized approaches. This course equips participants with insights and ideas to help support their efforts to connect with alumni of all ages.