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District V Annual Conference 2025
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3:00 PM - 4:00 PM CT
Women Navigating Advancement Leadership
Join in a conversation about the context and experiences of women in advancement leadership. Explore research on the field, hear from a panel of women leaders, and explore best practices and resources to encourage and support women’s journeys to leadership. This session aims to motivate, empower, and energize--whether you are looking for networking, planning for career growth, seeking to enhance your leadership skills, or creating organizational environments where women leaders can thrive.
Speakers: Dana Cummings, Founder & CEO, Dana Starr Cummings Consulting, Jeri Pat Gabbert, Executive Vice President and Chief Philanthropic Officer, Porter County Community Foundation, Julie Melton, Vice President, Institutional Advancement, Richland Community College, Genevieve Shaker, Professor of Philanthropic Studies and Donald A. Campbell Chair in Fundraising Leadership, IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, Lindsay Vahl Dean, Assistant Vice President, Alumni Engagement and Executive Director, Northwestern Alumni Association, Northwestern University
Competencies: Leadership
Experience Level: All Levels
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM CT
Making Milestones: How Two Schools Brought New Life through Reunion and a Sesquicentennial
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.
Speakers: Catie Gardner Smith, AVP of Engagement, Macalester College, Alyssa Smith, Sr. Assoc. Dir. of Mkt. & Comm. Alumni & Family Engagement, Denison University, Samantha Smith, Sr. Assoc. Dir. of Advancement Events, Denison University, Erin Updike, Director of Alumni Engagement, Macalester College
Competencies: Relationship BuildingIndustry or Sector Expertise
Experience Level: All Levels
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM CT
International Impact - Strategic Expansion of Alumni Engagement
How do you engage alumni all around the world and keep volunteers connected despite the distance ? How can they support the University's global strategy? In this session you can share best practices from your institutions and learn how the Notre Dame Alumni Association has expanded their volunteer base to 60+ countries. We will talk about international volunteer recruitment and stewardship and how it supports strategic global initiatives.
Speakers: Lea Barthuly, International Alumni Relations Program Manager, University of Notre Dame
Competencies: Relationship BuildingGlobal and Cultural Competence
Experience Level: All Levels
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM CT
Affinity Groups: Rightsizing Your Investment
Affinity Groups. This tried-and-true engagement strategy has yielded big results at many institutions. But they can run the spectrum in both investment and results. Do you create a mini alumni association, or do you simply try to harness the momentum formed by organic groups? We will look at pro's and con's for each method, when each would be appropriate, the opportunity for a blended approach, and best practices for these powerful programs.
Speakers: Reggie Bustinza, Executive Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, Northern Illinois University
Competencies: Relationship BuildingStrategic Thinking
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM CT
Welcome Aboard! Now what? Onboarding new fundraisers to set them up for success
New fundraisers, whether new to the profession entirely, new to your organization, or new to a discipline or role, can feel like they don't receive enough guidance, direction, and onboarding from their supervisors, mentors, and peers. This session provides practical, clearly defined suggestions for setting up your new fundraisers for success from Day 1! Learn the most important elements of onboarding a new staff member to ensure that they understand your organization and their role.
Speakers: Theresa Law, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Indiana Institute of Technology
Competencies: LeadershipIndustry or Sector Expertise
Experience Level: Level 3All Levels
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM CT
Building And Sustaining Affinity Networks: Strategies For Engagement And Impact
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.
Speakers: Stephanie Bonebrake, Associate Director of Affinity Network Operations, Alumni Engagement, Purdue for Life Foundation, Maria Whipple, Senior Director of Affinity Networks, Purdue for Life Foundation, Almira Yllana, Assistant Director of Affinity Networks, Purdue for Life Foundation
Competencies: Relationship BuildingGlobal and Cultural Competence
Experience Level: Level 3All Levels
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM CT
The Power of Play: Building Blocks for Bold Ideas
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.
Speakers: Megan Walsh, Digital Marketing Strategist, University of Iowa Center For Advancement, Rebekah Tilley, Asst VP, Communications & Marketing, University of Iowa Center for Advancement
Competencies: Strategic ThinkingEmotional Intelligence
Experience Level: All LevelsLevel 3
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM CT
Transform Your Giving Day - Proven Strategies from Award-Winning Experts
Get ready to learn from giving day experts! Join Emily Berry and Lola Mauer, the masterminds behind Miami University’s #MoveInMiami and Ball State University’s One Ball State Day, whose campaigns have collectively earned nearly 100 CASE awards. Discover the tips, tricks, and strategies that have made these institutions leaders in the giving day space. You’ll learn how to rally your campus community, maximize donations, and gain inspiration to elevate or launch your own giving day. Whether you're looking to boost your current campaign or exploring why a giving day is a smart investment, this session will provide you with actionable insights and proven strategies for success. Come prepared for a fun, informative, and motivating session that will empower you to make a real impact on your next giving day!
Speakers: Emily Berry, Assistant Vice President for Development, Individual and Annual Giving, Miami University, Lola Mauer, Associate Vice President of Engagement and Strategy, Ball State University
Competencies: Industry or Sector Expertise