Alumni engagement has fundamentally changed
Alumni populations are larger, more diverse, and more global. Graduates have different identities, interests, and paths, and they connect to their institution in different ways.
Digital communication norms have changed. Alumni experience personalized relevance from brands, employers, and services every day. They expect institutions to understand their interests and deliver value that feels tailored.
Advancement is under more pressure. Leaders expect stronger alumni affinity, deeper participation, and healthier pipelines, even as teams manage capacity constraints.
What institutions risk if they don't adapt
When outreach feels generic or disconnected, engagement weakens quietly. Over time, attention declines, participation becomes less consistent, and affinity erodes.
- Alumni tune out messaging that does not feel relevant
- Participation concentrates among only the most engaged segments
- Trust and long-term connection weaken, reducing future pipeline strength
The three shifts institutions must make
Insights should guide priorities and choices
Data should help teams decide what to do next
Demographics are useful but an incomplete picture
Attitudes and motivations explain how to engage different audiences
Personalization cannot keep depending on heroic effort
Workflows should expand capacity and reduce manual lift