Since 2022, the University of Michigan Medical School Communications Community of Practice (CoP) has been successfully navigating the collaboration and support of more than 90 unit-embedded communicators to develop partnerships, ensure access to resources, and embolden a unified voice, brand, and message across the Michigan Medicine landscape. In this presentation, we will use this case study to define a CoP, discuss the challenges of start-up, and walk through the steps toward implementation, success, and lessons learned. Participants will take away practical steps and resources for building a Community of Practice, methodology for connecting your community to the larger centralized communications core, and ideas for scaling communities to all sizes of teams.

Discover how to amplify your annual giving efforts through the power of social media. Anna Davis, Assistant Director of Annual Giving & Digital Strategy at Grand Valley State University, will share proven strategies to engage donors, boost visibility, and drive donations using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Learn practical tips for creating compelling content, leveraging paid digital campaigns, and measuring success effectively. Whether you're new to social media fundraising or looking to refine your approach, this session equips you with actionable insights to enhance your organization's outreach and impact.

For ten years at Purdue University, the University Residences program has brought successful alumni back to campus where they live among students for one week. Our program’s alumni, referred to as executives, provide students with opportunities to interact with fellow Boilermakers around their areas of expertise and interests in formal and informal settings – from lecture halls to residence halls and dining courts to basketball courts. The hallmarks of our program are small group and one-on-one interactions. Since the fall of 2014, over fifty executives have returned home to our residence halls and gifted our community their time and talents. Our Executive in Residences (EiR) program includes a campus learning community, student ambassador program, a full-time live-in Executive in Residence, and both fall and spring break trips, where student travel to visit executives in their homes and workplaces, connecting our university’s past to the present.

Kent State University's legacy of the May 4, 1970 tragedy remains pivotal in its identity. As history recently seemed to repeat itself on American campuses amidst current societal divisions, Kent State has proactively integrated powerful lessons from its past into its brand messaging. This session reveals how the university's half-century journey of embracing its history informs its current marketing strategies. Discover how authenticity and values-driven storytelling can elevate your institution's brand beyond conventional marketing approaches.

This session will focus on strategies for building and sustaining affinity networks that foster community, amplify alumni voices, and increase engagement across diverse demographics. Participants will explore how to align affinity networks with the institution's goals while ensuring they foster a culture of inclusion and belonging.

How can you elevate cherished alumni traditions and allow room for fresh experiences? Learn how Denison University reimagined its reunion experience with enhanced technology, fresh programming, and record-breaking participation. Explore how Macalester College brought its 150th anniversary to life, connecting a global alumni base with fresh twists on existing programming, new ways of storytelling, and ample opportunities to celebrate. Join us to learn about the process from concept creation through execution including planning, communication, events, and more. You’ll walk away with actionable insights and ideas to help you transform your own campus events into unforgettable celebrations.

In today’s philanthropic landscape, donor expectations are evolving. Traditional institutional giving models—such as scholarships, endowments, and unrestricted contributions—are becoming less effective as donors seek more direct impact and alignment with their personal values. This session will explore the shift from giving to a university to giving through a university, focusing on cause-based fundraising strategies that engage donors in meaningful, mission-driven ways. Attendees will learn how to reframe fundraising appeals to emphasize tangible outcomes, leverage storytelling to build trust, and implement digital engagement strategies tailored to next-generation donors. The session will also provide practical insights on navigating institutional challenges, gaining leadership buy-in, and utilizing technology to enhance donor connections.

What are the building blocks of engaging content creation? They're not what you might expect. This session explores how to create environments that set the stage for bold ideas and big results. We’ll focus on actionable strategies within your control, whether you’re leading a team or creating content yourself. Leave energized and ready to transform your content strategy with practical techniques that maximize your existing resources.