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Alumni Sessions

Secondary emphases are indicated in parentheses.

Please confirm the session times and locations in the program book you will receive when you arrive at the conference.

Sunday 12:30-1:45 p.m.

Beyond Happy Hours ... Making Regional Programs Work in an Affinity-Based World

Sheraton I

Hear and share best practices for engaging regional alumni in meaningful activities that will pay dividends for them and your institution.

— Blake Campbell, Director, Alumni Relations, Drake University

— Stephanie Epp, Executive Director Alumni Relations, Illinois State University

— Kelly Howell, Director, Alumni Relations, Illinois State University

Career Networking - Speed Networking

Sheraton III

Computer match about 125 students with up to 75 professionals and what do you get? Speed Networking, modeled after speed dating, is a way for students to connect with alumni and professionals in their career fields of interest. Learn about the successful program Lake Forest College established by computer matching students for networking sessions with professionals, and how this event provides an opportunity for students to exercise the skills necessary to build and extend their professional network, and provides alumni an opportunity to give back in a meaningful way.

— Lisa Hinkley, Director of Career Services, Lake Forest College

Sunday 2:15-3:30 p.m.

(Alumni)

How to Choose an Affinity Partner

Sheraton I

The success of your affinity programs depends on many things, including choice of partners. Discuss the challenges and pitfalls alumni professionals encounter when starting a new program. Get a framework for making a responsible choice that's in the best interest of your institution and your alumni.

— Kathy Sayre Laabs, Account Representative, USI Affinity Collegiate Insurance Resources

— Mark A. Clapper, Associate Director of Alumni Relations, Elizabethtown College

— Robert G. Forman, Consultant to USI Affinity Collegiate Insurance Resources and Alumni Holidays and former Executive Director of the University of Michigan Alumni Association

Redefining the Alumni Engagement Framework: Alumni Relations at an Online University

Sheraton III

How would you change your approach to alumni relations without the benefit of your grads' fond memories of ivy-covered buildings, hanging out in the Union, and other traditional campus scenes? With more and more universities offering courses online, students are experiencing their universities from their homes, offices, and coffee shops instead of classrooms and lecture halls. Learn how an entirely online institution, Capella University, has redefined the approach to alumni engagement, leveraging technology and social media to keep alumni active with their alma mater.

— Jennifer Swanson, Alumni Director, Capella University

Monday 9:15-10:30 a.m.

Connecting Your Global Network: International Constituent Engagement

Sheraton I

Discover the advantages of connecting with your alumni all over the world. The Baylor Global Network connects Baylor University in Texas to Baylor across the world. Whether an alumnus was an international student who has returned home or a U.S. citizen studying or working abroad, the Baylor Global Network helps keep Baylor family members connected with those who are flinging the green and gold globally. Brent Edwards, director of Baylor Global Network, returned from an around-the-world trip last spring and will share his insight and lessons learned from cultivating international connections.

— Brent Edwards, Director, Baylor Global Network, Baylor University

Developing Effective Training for Alumni Leadership

Sheraton II

Alumni leaders, both volunteers and staff, bring a variety of experience to their roles. How do you build and implement an effective training program that reaches the greatest number of leaders? Explore the approach taken by the Penn State Alumni Association. Get information on developing regional consortiums, planning leadership conferences, providing opportunities for staff leaders, one-on-one with volunteers, using technology to move forward, and more.

— Thomas Hammond, Associate Director, Volunteer Services, Penn State Alumni Association

— Cheryl Stringer, Regional Director, Volunteer Services, Penn State Alumni Association

— Charlene Gaus, Regional Director, Volunteer Services, Penn State Alumni Association

(Development)

Best Practices for the Small Alumni Shop: Review, Revise, Integrate

Sheraton III

In 2007-2008, the University of Evansville Alumni Association was the subject of an in-house Presidential Commission study. The year-long study yielded real change for how both the alumni relations and development operations function at UE. Combining alumni and development forces changed the scope and basic functions of this alumni shop. Walk through the review process and share results (including benchmarking and alumni surveys) which led to this change. The new operating structure will also be covered. UE staff, along with alumni volunteers who were part of the commission, will share this story of transforming an alumni program.

— Sylvia DeVault, Director of Alumni and Parent Relations, University of Evansville

— Rob Gallas, UE Alumnus and Vice President for Marketing and Public Relations, Museum of Science and Industry

— Beth Speer, Director of Stewardship and Special Events, University of Evansville

— Aaron Conley, UE Alumnus and Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations, University of Texas at Dallas

Monday 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

(Development)

Engaging Students to IGNITE Alumni

Sheraton II

Project IGNITE (Involving Graduates Now In Thoughtful Engagement) is designed to build stronger relationships with alumni, many who aren't currently active donors or volunteers. The centerpiece of the program is current students. Through personal visits with alumni, they learn about alumni views on Augsburg College, their philanthropic priorities, and their interest in volunteer opportunities. Discover how the program works.

— Jeremy R. Wells, Vice President for Insitutional Advancement, Augsburg College

— Kim Stone, Director of Alumni and Constituent Relations, Augsburg College

How Are We Due-ing?

Sheraton I

The University of Illinois Alumni Association recently ended its dues program, bringing to an end one of the nation's oldest and largest membership programs. You've read why and how this was done in the May/June 2009 issue of CASE Currents. Find out how the new format has affected alumni engagement, student engagement, and giving one year later.

— Joseph Rank, Vice President, Membership, Univeristy of Illinois Alumni Association

It's All Greek to Me!

Sheraton III

Learn how some universities are leveraging alumni affinity toward their individual fraternities and sororities to build support for the institution by hosting all-Greek reunions on campus.

— Emily Sights, Director of Reunion Giving, University of Evansville

Monday 2-3:15 p.m.

Alumni Relations Is More Important Than Ever!

Sheraton III

Based on response to the Alumni Attitude Study from over 120 institutions, 95 percent of alumni have a good to excellent opinion of their alma mater. In today's economic environment, alumni need to know that their institution is doing the right things to thrive. They want to know that their alma mater is taking steps to ensure that the value of their degree is increasing over time. Find out how some institutions are building successful campus-wide coalitions around the alumni experience. With the decreasing ability of foundations and government to support higher education, alumni engagement is more critical than it has ever been. Now more than ever, universities have to present a united and targeted message that will engage alumni.

— Robert D. Shoss, Managing Consultant for Research and Advancement, Performance Enhancement Group, Ltd.

— Graham Stewart, Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations, Ohio University

Planning for Your Future: Alumni Association Strategic Planning

Sheraton II

In today's challenging times, your Alumni Office needs to know where it wants to go and how to get there. Discuss strategic planning for alumni offices, the ins and outs of the process, and strategies for making sure your road map is complete!

— J. Mark Hutchins, Vice President for University Advancement, Tennessee Tech University

(Alumni)

Meeting Alumni Career Needs in Turbulent Times

Sheraton I

The effects of the economic downturn have hit many. How can an alumni association help? Find out how an alumni association can support its members during these uncertain times by hosting workshops, networking events, support groups and webinars. Discover how an alumni association can provide alumni with strategies and tools to help them create a new career vision, develop a supportive network, build a professional brand, and stay clear and focused while in professional transition.

— Cindy Petrites, Alumni Career Counselor, UW-Milwaukee Alumni Association

Monday 3:45-5 p.m.

Milestone Anniversary Planning

Sheraton III

Milestones are exciting. "We must mark this occasion!" usually gets unanimous support. But consensus often falls apart with "What should we do?" and "Who will manage it?" This session presents a disciplined approach to such occasions to leave a legacy of success, not just a fun party. We will discuss: missions & goals; committees & internal politics; stakeholders & target audiences; resources; developing timelines; budget creation; media recognition; fundraising; anniversary products; event tips, and more.

— Monica Metzler, Vice President, Conlon Public Strategies

— Kyle Delaney, Associate Director of Marketing, McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science, Northwestern University

Alumni Boards: A Blessing or a Curse?

Sheraton II

We can't live with them...we can't live without them. How many times have we heard that statement? For alumni directors running a small shop, we rely on our boards for guidance and support, but at what point does that board become dysfunctional? And, more important, how, when and where can we change it? This interactive workshop will show you that, yes, we can change it and how!

— Juliana C. Nelligan, Alumni Relations Director, Benedictine University

Stepping Off Campus for Partnership Opportunities

Sheraton I

Your Homecoming celebration can be the starting point for building long-standing working relationships in your community. Learn how to leverage community outreach to spread your University's message and engage local alumni neighbors and businesses to strengthen community/university ties.

— Gina Bianchi , Director Alumni Relations, Illinois State University

Tuesday 9:15-10:30 a.m.

Alumni Speak: Latest Findings From the Alumni Attitude Study

Sheraton II

Review the findings from alumni attitudinal and engagement research spanning eight years, including over 120 universities and colleges nationally. Look at how to turn data about alumni attitudes into insights and opportunities for action. Current data and national trends in alumni attitudes will help you better understand how to engage your alumni. Participants will not only learn about what alumni think, but will also see how to translate attitudinal findings into action. Now more than ever, knowledge about alumni wants and desires can act as a lever to build campus-wide coalitions focused on alumni involvement.

— Robert D. Shoss, Managing Consultant for Research and Advancement, Performance Enhancement Group, Ltd.

— Mike Worley, Executive Director of Regional Programs, Washington University in St. Louis

Lifestyle Programming for Older Alumni

Sheraton III

How do you keep alumni connected through the years? Get ideas from UW-Madison's Alumni Lifelong Learning Program. This program annually offers nearly 100 learning events for alumni and friends by connecting them to the resources of the university through a variety of education and enrichment programs held locally, nationally and online.

— Sarah Schutt, OSHER Lifelong Learning Institute

— Jeff Wendorff, Vice President, Programs and Outreach, Wisconsin Alumni Association

Tuesday 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Social Networking - What's New?

Sheraton II

Your alumni are on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter; how are you connecting with them? Explore how these modes of social networking enhance your communication with alumni and how the data gleamed from these tools provide valuable statistical information.

— Lisa Notter, Director of Advancement Communications, Lewis University

— Michael Eck, Advancement Communication Coordinator, Lewis University

—

Ever Better: Planning and Marketing a Multi-Day, Multi-Purpose All-University Weekend

Sheraton III

The University of Rochester's Meliora Weekend combines reunions, homecoming and family weekend into one four-day affair on multiple campuses. In the past eight years, the weekend has evolved from its primary audience focus - undergraduate students, alumni, and parents - to become a weekend that includes programming from all six schools at the University. The award-winning weekend now attracts up to 7,500 attendees annually and includes more than 150 separate events. This session will discuss how to balance the needs and identities of individual schools, how to express key institutional messages, how to provide programming for all key constituencies, and how to engage top donors and University leaders. In addition, the session will explore the operational and marketing challenges of the weekend, including web design, multi-campus registration, staffing, logistics, and budgeting.

— Jim Thompson , Senior Vice President, University of Rochester

— Kevin Wesley, Executive Director of Alumni Relations, University of Rochester