June Gudeman

Camille, Great! Why not ask the people you plan to target? Let them provide the ideas for what might be appropriate benefits. It seems to simple - but it's good! June Gudeman

Camille, I like the direction you're going. We cannot put a price tag on the marketing that occurs when our graduates 'talk' about a positive experience with our institution. Their informal conversations lead to many new students for us. I like the idea of using gift certificates to your bookstore. As always, the most difficult piece is gathering the 'numbers' to what we already know if happening. June Gudeman

Camille, Great ideas! We have to keep thinking like an alumni -- what would be a benefit? What would get me excited about staying connected or coming back to my institution? June Gudeman

Camille, Great! As you look at the statement, think through exactly what it is you want to accomplish and where you want to go with your alumni. It should be your pointer - your direction and grid that you run all your decisions through. June Gudeman

Camille, You got it! Arm twisting or guilting someone into being on your team won't work, you have to find the people who really are passionate about alumni. Good luck! June Gudeman

Camille, Glad to hear it! There are probably a number of individuals who are passionate about alumni -- you just have to find them! June Gudeman

Camille, Mission statements are helpful because they force us to decide who we are and what direction we want to go. It would be an interesting task for your team to look at the current statement and decide if it accurately speaks to the direct they want to go as a group. June Gudeman

Camille, That sounds like a good start. It may be helpful to target a staff member representing your admissions and career service department. Remember also that people like to be asked. Your and your administrators may just want to target specific staff members that you want to invite to be part of your team. June Gudeman

Lisa, It is obvious you have thought through the possible barriers. Clearly there are issues that may slow you down - just don't let them stop you. Now comes the time to brainstorm creative ways around and over those barriers. Good luck! June Gudeman

Lisa, Alumni success stories can be of great benefit to an institution. They are very powerful and can be creatively used at your institution. June Gudeman