Using a hypothetical case study told in the first person, a fiftieth reunion chair illustrates sure-fire ways to lure reluctant alumni back to the campus. The techniques emphasize the personal and sentimental touch in mailings, other communications, and at the reunion itself. (MSE)

A survey of schools, colleges, and universities about how they make their award ceremonies memorable is discussed. The best prizes, the best award categories, and the best awards ceremonies are described. (MLW)

Because many schools, colleges, and universities realize that prevention is the only defense against AIDS at this time, many have launched education programs. Some of the ways public relations directors are working with institutional health officials to promote education and prevention are described. (MLW)

Ways to create and implement a master marketing plan for college campuses are described. The best marketing plans describe both objectives and methods for all appropriate areas within the institution. (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)

More and more colleges believe they should live for and with their communities, not just in them. Two ways to help bring about mutual understanding and appreciation are identified: establishing two-way communications with targeted groups and leaders, and building public appreciation through projects that meet community needs. (MLW)

Alumni directors across the nation were surveyed for their ideas on reunion planning and promotion, reunion themes, and reunion activities. Some of these ideas include Emory's creative use of student help, Alfred's reunion bulletins, and Notre Dame's group sports events. (MLW)

Ideas for homecoming themes, events, and staffing are provided from a nationwide survey of alumni directors including: theme spirit; choose a team and plan a strategy; think homecoming, but not necessarily football; schedule time out for fun, games, and food; and involve the community. (MLW)

The Senior Alumni Program at the University of Western Ontario is a logical variation on alumni special-interest groups. Currently with 500 members and 400 on the waiting list, the only problem is limited staff and meeting space. The group provides the university with a talented, active volunteer force. (MLW)

Ways to fund a publications office and the merits of charge-back systems are discussed. Every charge-back system differs. Some offices try to cover costs; others bill for overhead. Some alternatives to charging are described. (MLW)

Publications administrators can freshen stale publications by updating vision, methods, and attitude. Ways to avoid the staleness trap include: critique work systematically, pick the right boss, look at the best work around the country, staff with young people, etc. (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)

Coherent communications enhance both outsiders' perceptions of institutions and the quality of the college experience for students. A communications master plan--a compelling total vision of how communications should be structured--should be developed by the public relations office after taking inventory of all communications produced on campus.…

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)