Every higher ed marketer knows that it’s essential for institutions to cultivate deep, lasting connections with alumni. But traditional alumni engagement strategies often fall short of building meaningful relationships that resonate with alumni over time. To create authentic, lifelong connections, higher ed institutions need innovative, modern approaches that go beyond mere outreach. Below, we explore five transformative alumni engagement campaigns that redefine how institutions connect with alumni — all powered by Experiture’s robust engagement platform.
- Annual Giving Campaigns That Connect Beyond the Checkbook
Annual giving is about more than a single donation. For alumni, it’s an opportunity to see how their contributions make a tangible impact on students, faculty, and programs. Institutions that position annual giving as a shared journey toward supporting the next generation can nurture deeper, more lasting relationships with alumni.
Why It Matters
When alumni can see the real difference their gifts make, they’re more likely to feel valued and invested. Personalized appeals that highlight specific outcomes (like scholarships, new campus initiatives, or research programs) foster a shared purpose that builds loyalty over time.
Annual Giving Campaign Example: University of Toronto
The University of Toronto‘s “Boundless” campaign spotlights transformative projects funded by alumni contributions, reinforcing the idea that alumni donations drive forward-thinking change. Launched in 2011, this was a comprehensive fundraising initiative aimed at enhancing the university’s global impact through significant financial support. The campaign concluded in 2018, successfully raising $2.641 billion, setting a new fundraising record in Canada. The success of the Boundless campaign not only provided substantial financial resources but also reinforced the University of Toronto’s commitment to excellence in education, research, and global engagement.
How Experiture Helps:
Experiture enables advanced segmentation to personalize messages based on alumni’s giving history, interests, and previous engagements. With automated email sequences and customizable donation tracking, institutions can maintain consistent, tailored communication that strengthens alumni connections.
- Reunions Reimagined: Bringing Alumni Home (Even from Afar)
Reunions are a cornerstone of alumni engagement, but they no longer need to be limited to in-person events. Virtual and hybrid reunions make it possible for alumni worldwide to reconnect with their alma mater, fostering inclusivity and maximizing participation.
Why It Matters
Many alumni are eager to reconnect but can’t attend in-person events due to location or time constraints. Virtual and hybrid reunions break these barriers, creating accessible, engaging experiences for a larger alumni community.
Reunion Campaign Example: Stanford University
Stanford University has effectively utilized online reunion events to enhance alumni engagement and support fundraising efforts. By transitioning traditional in-person gatherings to virtual formats, Stanford has maintained strong connections with its alumni community and continued to foster financial contributions. By adapting to virtual formats, Stanford University has successfully maintained and even enhanced alumni engagement and fundraising during challenging times, demonstrating resilience and innovation in its approach to alumni relations.
How Experiture Helps:
With Experiture’s multi-channel capabilities, institutions can send personalized invitations via email, SMS, and social media. RSVP tracking and journey orchestration keep alumni informed and engaged through real-time updates, reminders, and event details, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience.
- Mentorship Programs That Match Passions, Not Just Professions
Connecting students with alumni mentors can create lasting bonds, but aligning alumni and mentees based solely on job titles can be limiting. By matching individuals based on shared interests and passions, institutions can build more meaningful connections.
Why It Matters
Alumni who feel connected to students on a deeper level are more likely to continue engaging with their alma mater. Passion-based mentorship fosters relationships that go beyond professional development, creating a more rewarding experience for both mentors and mentees.
Mentorship Program Example: Northwestern University
Northwestern University’s mentorship programs, notably the Northwestern Network Mentorship Program (NNMP) and the Affinity Leaders and Learners (ALL) Mentorship Program, play a pivotal role in fostering alumni engagement and supporting fundraising initiatives. By integrating mentorship initiatives into their alumni engagement strategy, Northwestern University effectively strengthens alumni ties and bolsters fundraising efforts, creating a supportive and thriving university community.
How Experiture Helps:
Experiture’s audience segmentation makes it easy to match alumni with mentees based on personal interests, career fields, and goals. Automated invitations and follow-ups help sustain engagement, while tracking tools monitor interactions and success rates.
- Giving Days That Inspire (Not Just Ask)
Giving Days are high-energy, focused fundraising events that can spark widespread engagement — but only when they’re more than just donation requests. By positioning Giving Days as community events with a collective impact, institutions can inspire alumni participation and reinforce shared purpose.
Why It Matters
When alumni can see real-time results, leaderboards, and participation updates, they’re more likely to feel like part of a larger movement. Interactive elements, such as donation matching and challenges, further encourage alumni to participate.
Giving Day Example: The University of Sydney
The University of Sydney’s Giving Day campaign is a pivotal initiative designed to enhance alumni engagement and bolster fundraising efforts. This annual event unites the university community, including alumni, students, faculty, and supporters, to contribute towards various university projects and initiatives. In this campaign, personalized emails are sent out to alumni, detailing the objectives of Giving Day, sharing success stories, and providing links to donation portals. Addiutonally, printed materials, such as brochures and letters, are distributed to alumni, highlighting the importance of their contributions and outlining the impact of past donations. FInally, dedicated web pages are created for Giving Day, featuring real-time donation trackers, donor testimonials, and information on specific projects in need of funding.
How Experiture Helps:
Experiture’s real-time tracking capabilities let institutions monitor campaign progress, update donation goals, and engage alumni dynamically. Personalized landing pages with live progress updates help alumni feel involved, while automated follow-ups ensure each donor is appreciated.
- Volunteer Programs That Tap Into Alumni Talents, Not Just Time
Many alumni are eager to contribute more than just their time. By allowing alumni to volunteer their unique skills, institutions can leverage a broader range of talents and foster a more satisfying volunteer experience.
Why It Matters
Skill-based volunteering lets alumni contribute in ways that are personally meaningful, enhancing both engagement and the institution’s outcomes. This approach allows alumni to feel more invested and connected to their alma mater.
Volunteer Program Example: The University of Chicago
The University of Chicago offers skills-based volunteer programs that significantly enhance alumni engagement and support fundraising efforts. By providing opportunities for alumni to contribute their professional expertise, the university fosters deeper connections and cultivates a culture of giving. In this campaiugn, personalized email and direct mail are sent to targeted alumni based on their skillset, leading to dynamic landing pages ythat are customized for each recipient. Through these initiatives, the University of Chicago effectively engages its alumni community, leveraging their skills to benefit both the university and society, while simultaneously fostering a culture of philanthropy.
How Experiture Helps:
Experiture’s advanced segmentation identifies alumni with specific skills, enabling personalized outreach for volunteer opportunities. Automated follow-ups and tracking tools help institutions recognize contributions and sustain engagement, creating a fulfilling experience for alumni volunteers.
Conclusion: Moving Beyond Traditional Approaches with Experiture
Alumni engagement is evolving, and higher education institutions must adopt innovative strategies to create lasting, meaningful relationships with their alumni. By leveraging Experiture’s platform, institutions can implement tailored, dynamic campaigns that foster deeper connections, inspire giving, and celebrate alumni contributions. Embrace the future of alumni engagement and let Experiture empower your institution to build a thriving, lifelong community.
To see how Experiture has helped other universities elevate their alumni engagement and fundraising efforts, download our comprehensive Higher Education Marketing Case Study. Discover proven strategies and success stories that showcase how Experiture can support your institution’s goals for lasting alumni relationships and impactful campaigns.
