Engaging Alumni through Virtual Events & Activities

Recorded On: 05/20/2020

OVERVIEW

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact educational institutions throughout the nation, many school advancement programs are forced to either cancel alumni events or try to produce them online. And while pivoting in this way raises questions and concerns, it also presents opportunities to reach audiences in new and valuable ways.

Exploring this topic, Dan Allenby (AGN) led an online conversation with industry experts Susan deMuth (Johns Hopkins University), Steve Hall (Boston University), and Heather Makrez Allen (UMass Lowell) to share experiences, offer perspectives, and tackle some important questions.

WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER

Recommendations for the types of events that are best suited for an online format
Tips for overcoming obstacles to producing alumni events online
Tactics for how alumni relations teams can collaborate with students, faculty, and other campus partners on programming
Perspectives on the additional challenges alumni programs might face in the weeks, months, and years ahead
And more!

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Susan deMuth

Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations, Johns Hopkins University

Susan deMuth is a senior development and alumni relations professional with more than 25 years of experience. During her tenure, she has established strategic direction and organizational leadership for programs and projects that seek to engage alumni from across the university and around the world. She has also managed the transition from an alumni relations dues model to a new fundraising model and is actively involved in annual, major, principal, and planned gifts solicitations. Susan received her BA in Political Science from Notre Dame of Maryland University.

Steve Hall

With over 40 years of experience in annual giving and educational fundraising, Steve has led programs at the University of Houston, Boston University, and American International College. His other experience includes work as a member of the Council of Alumni Association Executives and a volunteer for the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). Steve holds a B.S. in Political Science from the University of Houston.

Heather Makrez Allen

Executive Director of Alumni and Donor Relations, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Heather Makrez Allen leads alumni and donor relations activities for more than 80,000 UMass Lowell alumni worldwide. Her focus is on stewardship and enhancing the alumni experience with the university, as well as in implementing programs and procedures that streamline university touch points with their constituent groups. Prior to her current role, Heather worked in higher ed administration, leading the International Programs Office at UMass Dartmouth and working at the UMass President’s System Office. Heather received a bachelor’s and master’s degree from UMass Lowell and is currently pursuing a PhD in Education Leadership.