The purpose of this study was to investigate whether giving to an institution by a graduate differs based on participation in various types of alumni programming. With the continuing cost pressures on higher education institutions, growing alumni donations is increasingly seen as a way to increase revenue. While alumni relations offices have…

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…

This study investigated the role of alumni in the financial support of higher education, explored student involvement as a means for understanding alumni involvement, and reported on the effects of having a student alumni association. Twenty-eight of 80 alumni associations contacted participated in the survey, and each of these had a student…

Alumni relations is defined as working to motivate alumni to be understanding and supportive of their university. The alumni association should be a community catalyst for moving people. A largely overlooked role for alumni is their involvement in the decision-making processes of a university. (MLW)

Provides advice to small alumni offices on how to manage alumni relations and the annual fund campaign, noting that small offices need to develop a flexible attitude, consider the benefits of performing both tasks, work with people they can count on, manage their time carefully, and balance both activities. (MDM)

Oberlin College's alumni association group for gay and lesbian alumni provides a case study in setting up new affiliates. Comprehensive and practical guidelines that any interested alumni group can follow are needed. Groups that develop around sensitive issues raise the toughest questions for alumni administrators. (MLW)

Starting a special-interest alumni group based on race can be problematic. Painful memories still linger for many minority alumni. Louisiana State University's Tureaud Chapter was willing to operate within the alumni association's framework. The right mix of communication, programing, and financial support is needed. (MLW)

As a profession, alumni relations is moving from its ancillary function into the mainstream of safeguarding the life of universities. The development of alumni associations and alumni relations is traced from its beginning to this position of importance. (JMD)

It is proposed that retaining and promoting membership in alumni associations should have equal attention. An attractive membership benefits package can help retain members. Direct-mail promotion can take a number of forms, capitalizing on alumni's varied perceptions and motivations. A calendar is given for targeting promotions. (MSE)

An alumni association dues program has these benefits: operating funds, program expansion, identification of committed alumni, and association independence from the institution. Its problems can be: possible competition with the annual fund, possible competition with constituent associations dues programs, and negative reaction to direct mailings.…

Arguments for and against formal alumni chapters are outlined. Pros include increased membership, better leadership, and strengthened development potential; cost effectiveness is possible. Cons include direct and indirect costs; informal alumni structures are seen as equally effective. (MSE)

Advice is offered for developing and strengthening college alumni special interest groups. These include setting clear guidelines; striving for membership quantity and enthusiasm; focusing on a mission; developing strong and creative leaders; sharing responsibility among staff; setting reasonable objectives; and finding financial support. (MSE)

This report examines trends in voluntary support for higher education between 1980 and 1994 based on analysis of the Council for Aid to Education's annual survey on voluntary support of education. It reviews how philanthropic support for higher education compared with support for other charities and how this level of support changed over time. It…

A journalist's master's thesis reports a survey of 300 campus periodical editors, 300 alumni professionals, and 300 journalism educators concerning types of periodicals, common characteristics, primary funding sources, content, coverage of controversy, publication viewpoint, relative publication quality, methods of quality improvement, and goals…

Recommendations for planning a successful training workshop for college alumni volunteers include assuring the association is organized and the program well timed; making sure everyone agrees to budget and/or financial commitments; using seasoned volunteers to conduct a feasibility study and determine training needs; making training enjoyable; and…