Reunion Giving

Recorded On: 05/15/2025

OVERVIEW

Celebrating class reunions (or even “graduation anniversaries”) can be one of the most effective ways to engage alumni and increase annual giving. Building on feelings of nostalgia and leveraging class affinity, reunion gift campaigns offer annual giving programs a special opportunity to attract new donors, engage current donors, reactivate lapsed donors, and solicit leadership-level gifts from your most loyal and engaged supporters.

WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER

Methods for setting goals, developing timelines, and counting class fundraising totals
Tips for recruiting, training, and motivating volunteers
Tactics for creating strong appeals and soliciting leadership prospects
Guidelines for evaluating results and stewarding donors and volunteers
Examples from other institutions, and more!

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Dan Allenby (Host)

President & Founder | Annual Giving Network

Dan Allenby is an author, speaker, and consultant who has worked with educational institutions for over 25 years to improve their fundraising results. An internationally-recognized expert on annual giving, he is the recipient of CASE’s prestigious “Crystal Apple” award for teaching excellence. He is principal and founder of Annual Giving Network and previously led annual giving and membership programs at Boston University, Tufts University, Georgetown University, and the National Geographic Society.

Emily Bray Levine

Assistant Vice President for Annual Giving at Bates College

Emily Levine serves as the Assistant Vice President for Annual Giving at Bates College. She previously worked in development programs at Bowdoin College, Beaver Country Day School and Tower Hill School. Her other experience includes development work at various non-profits. Emily holds an A.B., English and English History from Bowdoin College and an M.A. in Literature & History from Washington University in St. Louis.

Jennifer Austin

Senior Director, Annual Giving at The Catholic University of America

Jennifer Austin serves as the Senior Director, Annual Giving at The Catholic University of America. She previously led development programs at Georgetown University. Her other experience includes work leading an athletic association. Jennifer holds a B.A. in Art History from Penn State University and an Executive MBA from Georgetown University.

Ally Murphy

Director of Annual Giving at Williston Northampton School

Ally Murphy serves as the Director of Annual Giving at Williston Northampton School. She previously led development programs at the Canterbury School and University of Hartford. Ally holds a B.A. in Psychology, Gender Studies and a Master’s Degree, Organizational Psychology, both from the University of Hartford.