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District V Annual Conference 2025
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4:00 PM - 5:00 PM CT
Engaging Campus & Community Partners: Building Excitement & New Opportunities
Alumni Engagement and Community Partners share common values and goals when it comes to building lasting and life-long relationships with their stakeholders not only on campus but also in the surrounding community. Targeted events that foster a sense of "togetherness" and "community" are imperative to smaller towns that thrive on the impact that the students provide during their time at our university.
Finding our niche and standing out with admissions and recruitment visits has been instrumental since the development of these new community centered events. Come listen to how we have been ranked #1 in the state of Minnesota for the Best Game Day Atmosphere the past few years.
Through this presentation, you will hear how one institution takes a new approach to community centered events, has grown them into highly anticipated events for the entire community, and the economic impact that it has brought to the city, along with the excitement and buzz that started in 2017 and continues to grow each year.
Finding our niche and standing out with admissions and recruitment visits has been instrumental since the development of these new community centered events. Come listen to how we have been ranked #1 in the state of Minnesota for the Best Game Day Atmosphere the past few years.
Through this presentation, you will hear how one institution takes a new approach to community centered events, has grown them into highly anticipated events for the entire community, and the economic impact that it has brought to the city, along with the excitement and buzz that started in 2017 and continues to grow each year.
Speakers: Tracy Hale, Director of Alumni Engagement, Winona State University, Minnesota State Colleges & Universities
Competencies: LeadershipRelationship Building
Experience Level: All Levels
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM CT
Enhancing Your Annual Giving Strategy Through Social Media
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.
Speakers: Anna Davis, Assistant Director of Annual Giving & Digital Strategy, Grand Valley State University
Competencies: Strategic ThinkingIndustry or Sector Expertise
Experience Level: All Levels
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM CT
Protest and Contingency Planning for Large Scale Events
During the University of Chicago's Alumni Weekend in May 2024 there were at least 13 unique incidents of student, community, and alumni protest. Actions ranged from chalking, handing out pamphlets, disrupting events, occupying buildings, and damaging equipment.
Our campus, as so many others, had been home to an encampment on the main quads, just weeks before 2,500 attendees arrived for Alumni Weekend and Reunion events. The University of Chicago's commitment to free expression required the UChicago Alumni office to create a contingency plan that accounted for anticipated disruption, while abiding by the Chicago Principles.
Join us to review the Chicago Principles of Free Expression and the components of the Alumni Weekend contingency plan, constructed to include stakeholders across the University and beyond. Materials reviewed will include scripts to aid staff during events which are being disrupted, large scale protest plans, training materials for all staff volunteers, and the code of conduct for alumni participants. Session will review case studies using actual protests from the weekend and lessons learned.
Our campus, as so many others, had been home to an encampment on the main quads, just weeks before 2,500 attendees arrived for Alumni Weekend and Reunion events. The University of Chicago's commitment to free expression required the UChicago Alumni office to create a contingency plan that accounted for anticipated disruption, while abiding by the Chicago Principles.
Join us to review the Chicago Principles of Free Expression and the components of the Alumni Weekend contingency plan, constructed to include stakeholders across the University and beyond. Materials reviewed will include scripts to aid staff during events which are being disrupted, large scale protest plans, training materials for all staff volunteers, and the code of conduct for alumni participants. Session will review case studies using actual protests from the weekend and lessons learned.
Speakers: Jennifer Kennedy, Senior Director, Alumni Experience, University of Chicago
Competencies: Global and Cultural CompetenceStrategic Thinking
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
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
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM CT
From Zero to Published - How to launch a blog in record time
Blogging is a low-cost channel to reach your target audience, but many institutions hesitate to invest. Concerns around maintaining a consistent publishing schedule, producing quality content, and managing the necessary technology needs tend to slow or even stop progress toward building owned media platforms. This presentation will explore how the marketing and communications team at the Mitch Daniels School of Business at Purdue University overcame these challenges and successfully launched their blog.
Speakers: Shannon Hess, Director of Content and Communications, Mitch Daniels School of Business, Purdue University, Maria Weir
Competencies: Strategic Thinking
Experience Level: Level 3
Topics: BrandingSocial Media
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
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
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
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM CT
Thoughtfully Incorporating Gift Officers into Alumni Engagement Programming
Are you looking to build relationships between seemingly disconnected teams? Join the Northwestern Alumni Association to learn how to bridge the gap between gift officers and engagement professionals through event programming that draws both donors and alumni who have not yet given. We will share information on the development and creation of events that span a variety of topics and formats and how our shared priorities have led to success for both engagement goals and giving targets. Additionally, attendees will learn how to cultivate meaningful and long-lasting relationships with gift officers.
Speakers: Paige Vaughn, Associate Director, Alumni Engagement, Northwestern University
Competencies: Strategic ThinkingRelationship Building
Experience Level: All Levels