Economic pressure has played a role in most clashes between independent alumni associations and their college administrations. Some pros and cons of independence are provided and some events of the past few years are described. (MLW)

Through an alumni-led effort called Project Search, Haverford College found 72 percent of its 825 missing graduates. The project has paid off in more than renewed alumni ties, with a 20-fold return in the first 3 years of combined annual and capital fund raising. (MLW)

The experiences of three institutions (Oberlin College, Ohio; University of Nebraska; and St. Christopher's School, Virginia) illustrate how effective a carefully developed marketing scheme for planned giving can be. Staffing, budgets, average funds raised, and average deferred gifts are reported for each. (MSE)

A comprehensive study of Stanford University giving capacity of alumni and friends is described. The mission was to identify new donor prospects and to review perceptions of the people already identified. Some 1,200 new volunteers were involved. (MLW)

A program that sent a fund-raising videotape to 1,500 University of Richmond alumni is described. Research had turned up affluent alumni in areas too remote for personal calls or visits by the presidents. The program was a success and proved cost-effective. (MLW)

Dartmouth's class newsletter program has proved to be a simple but effective way to foster loyalty, affection, and support among their alumni. The newsletters also promote continuing education programs, act as informal career and placement networks, and find lost alumni. (MLW)

A survey of the best in event ideas, settings, and themes for alumni programs is discussed. Traveling reunions at Greenhill School, a private screening of "Ghostbusters II," morning breakfasts of alumni at Purdue University, are among those described. Capturing the attention of graduating seniors before they leave campus is advocated. (MLW)

The Carnegie Mellon University's Alumni Visitation Program, which coincided with a $200-million capital campaign, is described. Student visitors asked alumni what they thought of Carnegie Mellon and told them about the university; they did not ask the alumni for money. Finding and training the students is discussed. (MLW)

The case statement ranks as the most important piece of literature in a fund-raising campaign. It describes the purpose, program, and financial needs of the institution. Ways to approach writing case statements are provided. (MLW)

Ways to establish a senior class gift and pledge program are discussed. Senior gift campaigns solicit an out-right cash gift, collected before graduation. Pledge programs can run anywhere from a 1-year commitment, to a 25-year commitment. (MLW)

Applying prospect research techniques to donors on the college or university annual fund rolls can be effective without high cost. Simple segmenting can be done by manipulating existing computer files, as illustrated by the experience of a number of institutions. Using commercial analysis services can also be cost effective. (MSE)

Senior development officers of the 56 member institutions of the Association of American Universities were surveyed to learn about the scope of their prospect research programs. Scope of programs, prospect research approaches, and information resources are discussed. (MLW)

Capital campaign strategies that helped rally support for seven community colleges are described. An attractive college profile, enthusiastic volunteers, effective training, community contacts, and high internal morale helped create good donor support. (MLW)

In developing programs for nontraditional alumni, aim for a series of targeted programs that play on the human need to belong, to be recognized, and to look good by association with success. The University of Missouri at Saint Louis' lunchtime meetings for business professionals is one such successful program. (MLW)

Some colleges and universities have found that alumni prefer to have ownership of their alumni association, and such a membership program can raise revenues for the institution while providing a valuable communication tool. A strong dues program can work well with an annual giving campaign. A variety of membership structures is possible. Details…