An actual case of successful university gift solicitation is chronicled from beginning to end, including identifying the prospect, doing appropriate research, setting a strategy, involving the prospect, making the request, closing the solicitation, and following up. Persistence and good communication skills were keys to success. (MSE)

Explores how accreditation, bond ratings, and magazine rankings--including advancement's role in these assessments--continue to be incomplete and controversial indicators of educational quality. Asserts that advancement officers should work to demonstrate the importance of their efforts, such as increasing endowments and alumni support, within the…

Alumni get involved in a network when they share their professional expertise with undergraduates. Programs to bring alumni and students together include: mentor, alumni hosts, alumni rosters in which former students are listed by profession and geographic area, credentials service, etc. (MLW)

Electronic service companies are marketing electronic career services to college and university alumni associations. These electronic alternatives to traditional placement services offer schools a way to provide alumni with a desired service while increasing alumni association revenue. Typically, both applicants and companies pay a fee for a…