Alumni demographics are rapidly changing, and alumni associations are looking for new ways to increase alumni engagement. Using Lewin's (1947) organizational change theory and Homans's (1958) social exchange theory, this study examines two Research 1 institutions in a comparative case study. By comparing the experiences of two institutions, alumni…

Graduation day often includes an oration by a Vice-Chancellor or President reminding the newest cohort of alumni to "keep in touch" with their alma mater. Often, graduates dismiss this invitation instead of embracing this lifelong opportunity. As the only constant -- and constantly growing -- stakeholder group of higher education…

In times of increasing skills shortage, regions and particularly non-core regions, need to attract highly-skilled workers. It is better for these regions to (re)attract highly-skilled workers that gained knowledge and contacts elsewhere and because they once lived in the region for study have already ties to the university region than trying to…

This article is the third in an occasional series on how colleges have tackled some of the basic challenges of internationalizing their campuses. Tufts University has long been an internationally focused institution. Yet in one area it has, until recently, been sorely lacking. Like many universities, Tufts made little attempt to connect with…

As an educational leadership department chair or college of education dean you are increasingly facing the need to cut budgets and try to develop funds to keep your academic programs afloat. The use of oral history with your education alumni can serve as a way to bridge and remind both the institution and the former graduates of the value the…

Purpose: This paper aims to analyse comparatively the existing partnerships between the University of Padua and the enterprises in Veneto region, Italy, on one hand and Kenyatta University and industries in Kenya on the other. Design/methodology/approach: This was a case study of the University of Padua in Veneto Region, Italy, and Kenyatta…

Four alumni programs are described including: an old timers' game which brings back former athletes, alumni association tours, workshops especially for women, and a phonathon for an institution's annual fund campaign. (MLW)

Institutions are finding that a campus alumni center can bring a substantial return on the investment, in alumni events, visits to campus, and contributions. Institutions around the country are building new buildings, recycling existing buildings, and restoring historical landmarks as focal points for alumni activities. (MSE)

When nontraditional students become alumni, building loyalty takes creativity. For an urban campus and its alumni, it is important to clearly identify-and then offer programs to-specific constituencies within the alumni. The experiences of New York University are described. (MLW)

Guidelines are offered for making the most effective use of a college or university alumni board, including (1) analyzing the current membership, (2) identifying strong new members, and (3) working on motivation. A case study at Syracuse (New York) University is offered. Also addressed are increased conflicts with increased board involvement,…

A monthly TV program called "Arizona Alumni Forum" is described, which was part of the University of Arizona Alumni Association's total communication strategy. Getting started, figuring the budget, getting on the air, being the perfect host, and taping the program is discussed. (MLW)

College alumni associations can use new events management software for effective, innovative event planning. Possible applications are illustrated in the cases of three universities. Information is provided on planning time, budget, hardware and software used, software uses, evidence of event success, and lessons learned. Planning considerations…

The ways that alumni can contribute to career assistance programs and programs at 13 private schools, colleges, and universities are described in this handbook. In an introductory chapter, Adelaide M. Zagoren shows that career assistance programs help students find practical uses for their education, assist the institution evaluate the results of…

Explains "purpose design," a planning and problem-solving strategy involving determination of planning purposes, generation and selection of solutions, specification of solution details, implementation, and evaluation. Describes the application of purpose design to the planning of an alumni association at Black Hawk College, a community…

Five hypothetical ethical dilemmas involving alumni offices are outlined, and the responses of a number of alumni directors and ethics experts are provided. The scenarios involve administrator travel, valued faculty violating institutional policy on multiple employment, alumni staff members' loyalty to alumni board versus the institution, hiring…