Strengthening Alumni Engagement: How I Build Lifelong Relationships That Support Institutional Growth

One of the most rewarding parts of working in higher education is seeing how deeply people remain connected to the institutions that shaped their lives. Alumni relationships are not transactional; they are emotional, personal, and lasting. Throughout my career, I’ve found that alumni engagement is one of the most powerful — and often underestimated — drivers of institutional strength, philanthropy, visibility, and long-term success.

My philosophy begins with understanding that alumni want to feel valued, not solicited. They want to know the institution still cares about them long after commencement. I’ve always believed that if we build authentic relationships first, support follows naturally. Alumni give their time, energy, and resources when they feel seen, appreciated, and connected to the mission.

I start by focusing on meaningful communication. Alumni should hear about more than fundraising campaigns — they should hear the stories of students succeeding, faculty innovating, teams representing the institution with pride, and the community being strengthened. I make sure communication is honest, warm, and reflective of the institution’s values.

Another cornerstone is building opportunities for involvement. Alumni engagement shouldn’t be limited to one annual event or a newsletter. I work deliberately to offer multiple touch points: regional events, virtual panels, athletic gatherings, mentoring programs, volunteer opportunities, and campus experiences that bring alumni back into the life of the institution. People stay engaged when engagement feels accessible.

I’ve also learned that alumni relationships thrive when leadership is visible. Alumni want to feel a connection to the people guiding the institution’s future. I make it a point to meet with alumni personally whenever possible — whether at a home game, a fundraising dinner, or an informal conversation. Those interactions build trust and often lead to long-term support.

Athletics plays a unique role in alumni engagement. Game days bring alumni back home. When a team succeeds, alumni feel pride not just in the team, but in the institution. I’ve always worked to ensure athletics serves as a welcoming bridge that reconnects alumni to campus, traditions, and community.

Philanthropy grows naturally from strong engagement. Donors give to people they believe in and to institutions whose values resonate with theirs. When alumni feel connected, respected, and informed, they become lifelong partners in advancing the university’s mission.

Finally, alumni engagement requires stewardship. Every interaction is a chance to reinforce the relationship. Every success story strengthens the bond. Every expression of gratitude matters. I’ve always built stewardship programs that honor alumni contributions, celebrate their achievements, and demonstrate the impact of their support.

Strong alumni engagement is the heartbeat of a strong institution. I remain committed to building relationships that honor the past, support the present, and invest in the future.