It’s a perennial question for advancement teams: what are the latest activities (that actually work) to engage this generation of young alumni? In the CASE Communities online discussion boards, alumni relations professionals shared these ideas. 

The CASE Library has developed a resource collection on advancement in independent schools. The collection offers information on general trends, advancement, alumni and parent engagement, communications and marketing, and fundraising. This collection also includes a guide to all the CASE Library's sample collections that feature sections for independent schools samples. We encourage you to visit the Schools hub for additional resources and news from CASE.

The CASE Library maintains this collection of young alumni samples. It includes samples from awards programs, advisory boards and councils, young alumni giving initiatives, and events and alumni programming. Materials from the CASE Circle of Excellence Awards are included as available.

This sample collection includes material on parent councils, such as brochures, applications and role expectations, as well as material on parent giving campaigns, parent newsletters, parent welcome and orientation guides and material specifically for parents of international students.

The CASE Library maintains this collection of online samples for all CASE members. It includes examples of homecoming and reunion planning and communications materials as well as CASE Circle of Excellence Award winning examples from the alumni relations and special event categories.

The most recent classes of graduates, shaped by pandemic interruptions to their campus experiences, present a unique set of challenges when it comes to reconnecting with their alma maters. Find out how alumni relations teams are rising to the challenge, with innovative programs and strategies for engaging their newest young alumni.

Today’s school advancement professional needs to lean on data to maximize alumni engagement. Learn how to establish the metrics and methods that move the needle.

CASE is pleased to see that U.S. News & World Report has updated its 2024 Best Colleges methodology and removed alumni giving as a ranking indicator.

Kim Rich is Senior Director of Advancement Services and Operations at Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C., U.S. She says a love of data, relationship building, and mission are at the heart of her career in advancement.

Advancement professionals share stories of data in action. They are using the metrics and insights that come from participating in CASE’s industry-leading surveys to set strategy and goals, benchmark against peers, target constituent groups, enhance programming, meet campaign goals, and add new staff.