Office of Alumni AffairsAlumni Engagement Plan

STUDENT ENGAGEMENTStep One:

Student Engagement - WHY

Stronger affinity results in more alumni engagement

Stronger class loyalty provides a greater incentive for graduates to take part in reunions and reunion giving

Student giving creates good habits Student connections with alumni create

community

Student Engagement - HOW

Theme: Once a Knight, always a Knight Focus on Franciscan Heritage and the history of

Marian College/Marian University Provide opportunities for students to interact with

alumni and donors Prepare the next generation of Marian University

leaders

Student Engagement Plan

Presence at Orientation Luncheons Move in day Freshmen Alumni Dinners Sophomore “Halfway there” celebration Networking Knights, Mock Interviews, LinkedIn Career and community mentors Leadership breakfast Senior “Welcome to the Alumni Association”

ALUMNI ENGAGEMENTStep Two:

Recognize generational differences

Veterans/Greatest Generation (1901-1924) Silent Generation (1925-1945) Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Generation X (1965-1981) Millenials (1982-2004)

Greatest Generation: 20 million

Key values: Financial security, patriotism, belief in the power of institutions, respect for authority, selflessness

Affected by: Great Depression, New Deal, fought in World War II

Give because of duty, respect, to give back

Silent Generation: 30 million

Key values: Loyalty, self-sacrifice, faith in institutions, stoicism

Affected by: grew up during World War II, witnessed spread of the private automobile

Give because of loyalty, duty, to give back

Baby Boomers: 80 million

Key values: Loyalty, self-sacrifice, faith in institutions, stoicism

Affected by: grew up during Cold War, first generation in 200 years to openly rebel against government, witnessed massive institutional change and the widespread growth of television

Give to make an impact; more specific in what they want from their donation

Generation X: 45 million

Key values: Independence, self-reliance, desire for stability and informality

Affected by: rise of the personal computer, latchkey culture

Give to support a cause Utilize web site/online giving, text giving

Millenials: 90-100 million (by 2018)

Key values: integration with technology, civic minded, progressive

Affected by: the Internet, cell phones, ultracustomization

Give to support a cause, motivated by inspirational media messages and by peers

Utilize web site/online giving; text giving

Recognize generational differences - WHY

Younger generations reject status quo Current messaging isn’t reaching graduates of the

last decade Older generations rely on traditional media Different generations have different giving habits

Recognize generational differences - HOW

Provide each with targeted media Provide for different methods of giving Provide for different methods of involvement

Veterans and Boomer Alumni

University magazine Personal letters Classmate phone calls Emphasis on traditions and legacies

40% of graduates under 40 years of age

Social Media – Facebook, Twitter, Blogs Web site Video Online forms, online giving, online class notes E-magazine

Personalize - WHY

Personalized communication is significantly more effective

Affinity groups have a higher rate of participation

Personalize - HOW

Utilize class agents both for giving and involvement Have contacts “reach out” Appeal to specific interests Work with affinity groups Utilize print and social media effectively