Have you heard the words "I just graduated - I don't have any money or time". What if we took a step back and realized it is not about not having enough time or money? It is about where they place their resources. What if they don't feel connected to a scholarship opportunity because it does not yet exist? Let's talk bundling experiences, access to peak interest areas like an arena or conference spaces and creating buy in so giving becomes habitual. This session will cover the creation of "BOLD - Broncos of the Last Decade" and its successes with recent graduates in giving time, talent, treasures and beyond.

Advancement is a rich and fulfilling field with enormous opportunities for career growth. In this session, learn strategies for how to leverage your network, apply for your next position, build skills on the job, and create your career path in advancement. We'll also discuss what recruiters and interview panels are really looking for.

At Michigan State University, the pandemic inspired us to develop a collaboration between alumni relations and career services; our small residential college at this Big Ten institution has developed a programming series committed to supporting student success through alumni engagement. Through the development of this virtual career programming series, students gain access to alumni mentors as they explore different career paths, develop essential career skills and grow their professional networks. In addition, these strategic programs simultaneously build the donor pipeline creating opportunities for meaningful engagement and stewardship.

In this session, we will share with each other some of our favorite solicitations, stewardship and engagement communications. Email, printed pieces, video and text, we will review communications that cover all channels. Please submit your fan favorites in advance to amanda.baker@yale.edu by June 15.

As colleges and universities continue to emerge from the pandemic, alumni engagement and particularly programs and services for recent graduates need to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs and expectations of alumni and their institutions. A new strategy for GOLD engagement is required to ensure relevance and impact for the next generation of alumni leaders. In this moderated panel, three recent graduates – each with distinct and different personal and professional lived experiences – will reflect on an unprecedented landscape for alumni relations and share their recommendations for developing and sustaining relevant, impactful and inclusive alumni communities

In an increasingly crowded philanthropic landscape, how do you show your donors how much you value them? In this session, we’ll discuss stewardship and how to illustrate a donor or volunteer’s impact on your organization. From thank you notes to events – we’ll talk about what works and what to steer clear of (if given a choice). Showcasing impact and curating donor delight are essential to any successful program. This session serves as a helpful reminder and capstone to the conference.

Join for final questions, faculty perspectives and next steps as you head back to your institutions.