Q&A: Exploring the Current State of College Alumni Engagement in Education

Alumni engagement with colleges and universities is a crucial aspect of maintaining the health and value of educational institutions. According to the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), alumni engagement takes various forms, including financial giving, volunteering, and communication with the institution. Despite recent declines in financial giving, philanthropic support for higher education has been trending upwards in recent years.

Cara Giacomini, vice president of data, research, and technology at CASE, highlights the importance of alumni engagement in building a larger community and keeping graduates connected well past graduation. She emphasizes the four main categories of alumni engagement: experiential, volunteering, philanthropy, and communication.

Giacomini also discusses the trends in alumni engagement, noting a growing emphasis on collaboration and engagement goals in fundraising campaigns. She emphasizes the importance of integrated advancement, where development offices, alumni relations, marketing, and communications work together to enhance the institution’s brand and reputation.

When asked about the reasons why alumni engage with their alma mater, Giacomini points to a sense of community, career progression, and a desire to give back. On the other hand, she acknowledges that some alumni may not engage due to negative experiences or feeling that their relationship with the institution is purely transactional.

Overall, alumni engagement benefits not only the educational institutions but also society at large. By fostering connections, providing mentorship, and supporting research and innovation, engaged alumni contribute to the success and impact of their alma maters well beyond their time as students.