June Gudeman

Linnet, I would agree this is certainly a challenge trying to keep any website 'fresh'. Do you have any creative ideas or solutions? June Gudeman

Linnet, You may want to think about what departments you would like represented from your institution. I believe you'd find real value in having representation from some of your department heads/administration. June Gudeman

Jodi, Great idea! Partnering with agencies is a great way to get your name out there. June Gudeman

Jodi, I like your idea of a consistent event. This allows your alumni to plan and be able to count on a regular event. I'd encourage you to include some graduates on your planning team to get feedback on what would be a 'draw' to attend those events. Everyone is so busy and finding the right venue, timing, and services that would be a benefit to your alumni will be important. June Gudeman

Jodi, Measuring your return on investment with your alumni is difficult in many areas. For example, you can measure how many graduates show up to an alumni event, but it's difficult to track the positive feelings they have for their institution and how that plays out in the conversations they have with friends or family. But, there are specifics, as you mentioned, that can be measured and it's important to set up procedures to gather the information we're looking for. June Gudeman

Stephan , It sounds like you have some creative ideas to getting around the typical barriers to setting up and running an alumni association. It seems that every institution struggles with an overworked staff. I would encourage you to utilize some of your key graduates to assist you in developing an active association. June Gudeman

Stephan , I'm really glad to hear that as a result of this course you are seeing the need for an organized approach to relating with your graduates. Social media is a great, simple, cost effective way to connect and even track your alumni. And, who knows what it may lead to in the future -- alumni events, a dedicated alumni website, associations, etc.? June Gudeman

Kathryn, You are absolutely correct and I like your "billboard" analogy. It is so true. They are by far our best marketing tool. June Gudeman

Kathryn, I totally understand the 'time' issue and, to be honest, you would need someone who can be intentional about meeting the needs of your alumni. I know many schools ask people to do double-duty, for example they hire someone who can be a Career Services Advisor/Alumni Coordinator, but that's a tall order. I'm thankful you're seeing the advantages of connecting with your graduates and I'm hoping you'll be able to creatively begin connecting with them, even on a small scale. You have to start somewhere - maybe that's your challenge! June Gudeman

Bradley, Our graduates really are our best form of marketing if we can find a successful way to tap into their success stories. Some of the money directed toward marketing may be better spent gathering stories from happy, successful graduates and then determining a way to share those stories in a variety of markets. June Gudeman