How to reunion from a distance

Reunions Reinvented

I know this is an extraordinary time for all of us who get such joy from bringing alumni together and strengthening their bonds to their alma maters. The pandemic has caused the cancellation of reunions and other alumni events, leaving alumni disappointed and schools scurrying to come up with virtual events that recreate the feeling of meaningful connection. At this time of uncertainty, I’d like to give you some suggestions to help schools continue to accomplish their alumni community building … Continue reading →

3 reasons schools should host a virtual reunion in place of their cancelled reunions

Reunions Reinvented

Is a cancelled reunion a missed opportunity? Schools are grappling with the question whether they should hold a virtual reunion in place of their cancelled reunions due to Covid 19, or skip them this year. The answer is clear: HOST A VIRTUAL REUNION! Here’s three reasons why: (1) Give alumni what they want and need.   In this unprecedented period when isolation abounds, alumni are craving connections. This is the perfect time  to give alumni exactly what they are yearning … Continue reading →

What’s wrong with a woman’s reunion?

Reunions Reinvented

Women love reunions. Data has shown that it is part of women’s DNA to want to connect and form community. Research also reveals that women tend to be more philanthropic. Data points* on the power of women’s philanthropy include: Women are more altruistic than men Women are the CFOs in 87 percent of households Women are the primary breadwinners in 40 percent of families Women participate in 94 percent of all charitable decisions in a family You would think the … Continue reading →

Are YOU being YOU?

Reunions Reinvented

The beginning of a new year is always a good time to check in with yourself and ask the all-important question: Are you being you? So often I hear people working in alumni relations say they hate (yes, a strong word, but it is their word) managing alumni reunion committees. One administrator of a law school reunion program despised it so much that she insisted on never having a reunion committee larger than two members. Can you imagine how unsuccessful … Continue reading →

A sure-fire way to increase end-of-year donations

Reunions Reinvented

Want to get more year-end donations? Get more alumni to attend your reunion! It has been my experience that reunion attendees tend to make a donation when a reunion gift is part of your organized reunion goals.  That means the more alumni who attend your reunion, the greater chance that they will donate. How I Know It Works:  In a recent reunion cycle of ten class reunions (5th  through 50th) at a professional school that Reunions Reinvented has generated momentum … Continue reading →