The document summarizes the results of a research study conducted with 12 ACSI Christian schools to better understand best practices in alumni relations. It provides an overview of the participating schools and their alumni programs. Key findings include that the top purposes for engaging alumni are fundraising, networking, and ministry. Schools reported spending 25% of their time on alumni relations, with most of that spent planning events and communicating. Database accuracy and alumni engagement rates were generally low. The document also discusses reasons why graduates may not financially support their alma mater.

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ACSI ALUMNI RELATIONS
RESEARCH STUDY
SUMMER 2014
Introduction
Three years ago, as Dayton Christian School approached its 50th
Anniversary, we
embarked upon our first-ever “Alumni Relations” initiative. Although the efforts that
we’ve made since that time have been generally well received by our grads, it seems
that our momentum has recently stalled. However, instead of panicking or impulsively
overreacting to what we thought might be happening – we decided instead to pause,
take a step back to gain some perspective, and then thoughtfully research best practices
within the world of alumni relations.
After perusing the possibilities, we quickly realized that some of the more successful
models – universities and parochial schools - had very different dynamics than those
found in secondary evangelical Christian education. While one can always learn from
exploring another paradigm, it seemed logical that the greatest benefits might be
derived through discovering and studying the exceptional programs of the institutions
that most closely mirrored our own situation and circumstances.
Over the past few months a dozen recommended ACSI schools were extensively
interviewed. They were then invited to participate in a comprehensive on-line survey.
The survey provided a forum to help each alumni director systematically describe their
successes and challenges in writing. The result of this collective effort is an independent
compendium of honest and detailed responses that offer a host of ideas and
methodologies. The data is presented here simply, just as it was provided, word for
word, without drawing any conclusions or adding commentary.
We extend a special “thank you” and heartfelt gratitude to everyone that participated in
this process. We sincerely hope that the information shared in this research study will
be encouraging and helpful to you all!
Blessings,
W. Dean Sellers
Alumni Relations Coordinator
Dayton Christian School System
E-Mail : dsellers@daytonchristian.com
Phone : (937) 291-7220

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Participating Schools
Ben Lippen Christian Academy, Columbia, South Carolina
Established in 1940 – 3,300 Alumni.
Alumni Relations : Since 2011.
Alumni Manager : Kelly Davis - AlumniEventsCoordinator.
E-Mail : Kelly.Davis@benlippen.com
Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy – Cincinnati, Ohio
Established in 1995 – 1,500 Alumni.
Alumni Relations : Since 2009.
Alumni Manager : Casey Purnhagen - AlumniCommitteePresident.
E-Mail : casey.purnhagen@gmail.com
Christian Academy – Louisville, Kentucky
Established in 1976 – 3,700 Alumni (2,900 KY / 800 IN.)
Alumni Relations : Since 2010.
Alumni Manager : Adrienne Crosby - DevelopmentDirector.
E-Mail : acrosby@caschools.us
Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy – Akron, Ohio
Established in 1968 – 3,800 Alumni.
Alumni Relations : Since 2007.
Alumni Manager : Mary Taylor - AlumniRelationsCoordinator.
E-Mail : mtaylor@cvcaroyals.org
Dayton Christian School – Dayton, Ohio
Established in 1963 – 5,000 Alumni (4,000 DC / 1,000 XC).
Alumni Relations : Since 2011.
Alumni Manager : W. Dean Sellers - AlumniRelations Coordinator.
E-Mail : dsellers@daytonchristian.com
Delaware County Christian School – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Established in 1950 – 3,000 Alumni
Alumni Relations : Since 2007.
Alumni Manager : Kim O’Bryan - AlumniCoordinator.
E-Mail : kobryan@dccs.org
Lakeland Christian School – Lakeland, Florida
Established in 1954 – 2,000 Alumni.
Alumni Relations : Since 2007.
Alumni Manager : Claudia Powell – Director of Advancement.
E-Mail : cpowell@lcsonline.org

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Maranatha Christian School – Pasadena, California
Established in 1965 – 4,000 Alumni
Alumni Relations : Since 2011.
Alumni Manager : Lauren Obregon - Managerof Alumniand Advancement.
E-Mail : l_obregon@mhs-hs.org
Worthington Christian School – Columbus, Ohio
Established in 1973 – 2,200 Alumni
Alumni Relations : Since 2012.
Alumni Manager : Troy McIntosh - Head of School.
Survey Composite Statistics
The Purpose for Engaging Alumni
1. Fundraising 81%
2. Networking 77%
3. Ministry 68%
4. Enrollment 65%
5. Referrals 61%
Alumni Relations Time Commitment :
25% of each week is dedicated directly to cultivating alumni relations
42% of that time is spent in event planning and coordinating
37% of that time involves correspondence (e-mail, social media) and phone calls
15% of that time is dedicated to writing newsletters, web-site content etc..
6% of that time involves face-to-face meetings, lunch, networking, etc. with grads
Graduate Database Information Accuracy :
Believe that their alumni mailing addresses are 75% reliable
Believe that their graduate phone numbers and e-mail addresses are 33% reliable
Graduate Engagement :
Less than 5% of alumni donate to their school
Less than 10% of alumni have their own children enrolled in a Christian school
Less than 7% of alumni volunteer their time and talents to advance the school
What is the primary motivationfor developing Alumni Relations?
“We wish to keep our grads engaged with the hope that local alumni will send their children to
LCS and help provide financial support to the school. We also encourage their prayers and
volunteer assistance.” LAKE

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“The approaching 50th Anniversary, fundraising, and ministerial commitment to students and
parents when they leave.” MARA
“To engage and connect our alumni to our mission.” CHAS
“To maintain accurate data base information for the alumni community. To share alumni
activity in the school magazine - the Trumpeter (published 3 times annually). To engage alumni
involvement in school functions and fund-raising efforts. To engage alumni with the current
student body as mentors, coaches, speakers, etc.” CUYA
“When instituted, it was primarily about fundraising. As the initiative has evolved, the
administration has come to understand the all-encompassing ramifications of these efforts.”
DAYT
“Thus far, there have only been resources to support alumni networking events and soliciting
alumni for gifts.” CHCA
“Reconnecting alumni to the school through publications, articles, emails, FaceBook, etc., and
highlighting our successful grads as our “product” in order to help promote the school.” DELW
“We have been without an Alumni Coordinator for two years. The person in that role at the
time had many other responsibilities. I will be taking on Alumni on Aug 1, but my primary
responsibility is event planning for the school.” BENL
Briefly describethe demographic dynamics of your school.
“School families represent 150 different churches, 33% diversity (african-american 18%,
international 15%), 1 out of 3 are on financial aid. Drawing from urban and suburban areas
(15% urban). 11% of our graduates have kids in our school.” DELW
“We serve an eight county area and have students from over 200 churches. Our enrollment
averages between 830-850 students. We’ve made a strategic commitment to serve a student
population representative of greater Summit County.” CUYA
“We are the oldest and largest non-public school in the county, and the largest school in this
part of the state. We are a K-12 school with 1,100 students.” LAKE
“Religious diversity : our students worship at over 160 different churches. Geographic diversity:
our students represent over 40 local school districts. Racial diversity : elementary – 18%,
middle – 18%, urban middle school campus – 81%, high school – 21%, Total school – 26%.
Cultural diversity : our students call 13 different countries home. Socioeconomic diversity: 22%
of our students receive tuition assistance.” CHCA
“Evangelical, college prep school located in a suburb of a large metropolitan area.” WRTH

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“The school began as a boarding school for missionary families. It moved approximately 150
miles south to its present location in 1988. Now it is primarily a day school with 750 students,
and a boarding program of about 80.” BENL
“We are located in a zip code that is mostly middle-class Caucasian. Two adjoining school
districts, have a median household income around $80K. Both districts are rated excellent by
the state. We also compete with one ACSI church-based Christian school 12 miles away and
have two well-regarded private schools (one Catholic and the other an independent college-
prep) less than 8 miles from the campus. Although our student body is somewhat ethnically
diverse, approximately 74% are Caucasian, 15% African-American, and 6% Asian.” DAYT
Basedon your interactions andexperiences, what doyou think are the top
three reasons why graduates don't financially support your Christianschool?
Please explain.
“We do not have a relationship with them.” CHAS
“Intermittent communications from the school. The school has changed significantly in the last
10 years and grown.” MARA
“They give to their college, have their own ministries they focus on, they may be bitter about
their experience in HS.” DELW
“No longer live in the area. Children do not attend. Don't really give consideration to it as they
have not been shown the need/vision.” WRTH
“1. Disconnected : They don't really understand the need, the value, or the excellence of a
Christian education today. 2. Higher Priorities : They are busy and involved in life. Their alma
mater would not make the top ten "most important" list for more than 95% of our graduates.
3. Already Give : Most graduates already give to other charities that are "closer to home", ones
that impact them or their families in more real and immediate ways.” DAYT
“1. Young alumni (maximum of 37 years old). 2. Misunderstandings about the need for the
gifts and how they are used. 3. Poor approach to soliciting.” CHCA
“They can't afford it. They don't understand the need. They don't understand Biblical
stewardship.” LAKE
“They don't feel obligated to be a donor. They did not have a good experience (grads of the 70s
and 80s specifically). They have financial constraints.” CUYA
“1. We have no relationship/connection with them. 2. They do not feel financially able. 3.
People give to their church and then to college before their high school.” BENL

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What do you believe are the topthree reasons why graduates do not sendtheir
own childrentoa Christianschool? Please explain.
“Many are not Christians. Christian schools are expensive. They do not see a value.” MARA
“Cost. School districts are good. Do not value Christian education as their parents did.” DELW
“1. Expense (which I really believe is the top three reasons!) 2. Access. 3. God is not a
priority.” BENL
“Financial. No longer live in the area or in an area with a viable school.” WRTH
“1. Financial inability. 2. Concern about Christian school "sheltering" their children. 3. Public
schools are a ministry. 4. Proximity and transportation.” CHCA
“They can't afford it. Not one close by. They live in an area with an outstanding public/magnet
school.” LAKE
“Financial considerations. They themselves did not have a good experience, so they won't
"push it". Their children do not "want to" attend.” CUYA
“They do not know about all of our success.” CHAS
“1. Cost : Even if grads could make lifestyle choices that would allow them to afford Christian
school for their children, they aren't convinced that it's worth the price. Their kids are in
church, youth group, scouts etc. - they'll be all right... 2. Perception : It's not the same as when
they were in school. Things are different, or worse. It's too big / too small / not strong enough
academically / the administration is inferior / not spiritual enough / too Baptist (or fill in the
blank denominationally)... 3. Don't understand what's going on in public schools today. Don't
see how drastically their children’s heart, mind, and worldview are being permanently shaped
during their most formative years.” DAYT
What were your two best attendedalumni events? Howmany graduates were
there? Describetheminsome detail along withwhat you did to market and
promote each event. Why do you think that they were so successful? Please
explain.
“Last year we celebrated 25 years of being in Columbia. We had approximately 200 alumni and
past parents attend Homecoming. We also had a winter event at a basketball game to
celebrate the last 25 years of athletics. We combed through 25 years of yearbooks to pull out
all varsity athletes, sent a letter of invitation from the athletic director, recognized all of our
state championship teams at halftime, had a food truck parked outside, and ended the evening
with dessert and comedy set by a former coach turned comedian. In addition to the letter and

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advertising the event in our newsletter and social media, we had a 25 day trivia contest on
FaceBook, and sent the winners a school tee shirt.” BENL
“40th anniversary celebration with class reunions. Maybe 50-100.” WRTH
“We have not done alumni events on campus, other than class reunions.” LAKE
“The 40th anniversary celebration had "decade" gatherings following the all-school dinner
/celebration - we marketed well in advance. Not sure of attendance at Homecoming, but the
alumni hospitality area draws approx 200 alums plus families each year. This is an annual event
and is advertised well in advance in the magazine and by "snail" mail and e-mail.” CUYA
“1. The 50th Anniversary All-Alumni Reunion in October of 2012. We had three events tied to
the schools' Homecoming weekend - including an alumni tailgate party before the football
game, an alumni breakfast the next morning at the campus featuring the first group of
individuals added to "Hall of Honor", and an evening "Farewell Party". In all, over 500 people
participated in our weekend! We were very pleased with the success. Part of the attraction
was that we had never before done an "All-Alumni" reunion, and the natural tie-in with the
50th anniversary celebration certainly helped attendance. 2. "70's Reunion" - September 2011.
Over 250 people participated in a reunion geared specifically to the classes of 1972 - 1979. Also
held during the school's Homecoming weekend, we had an exceptional turn-out even though
those graduating classes were some of our schools' smallest. I think it succeeded because it
was a fairly focused cross-section, and we promoted it heavily via social media for the very first
time. In the months preceding the event, we released yearbook photos from a single year and
encouraged feedback and story-sharing. It worked great!” DAYT
“Regional event held on the UC campus at Keystone Grill. Appetizers were provided for free.
35+ alumni, included graduates from '99-'13. 6 different faculty members were in attendance
(which was promoted and drew some attendance). The event was promoted via FaceBook
“event”, in the quarterly communication and the newsletter, as well as personal FaceBook
posts from faculty who were attending. Alumni Chapel is held at CHCA during weekly chapel
and there were more than 40 in attendance. We promoted it on FaceBook (via event and
posts), and the event was streamed live for alumni who couldn't attend in person. Alumni
spoke and led worship for current students. For both events, success was dictated by the
involvement of active alumni promoting the event personally as well as using beloved faculty to
promote.” CHCA
“Homecoming, average 120-150 alums, sent out a postcard, host an alumni tent, and had a pre-
game party with free food. Our “Young Alum Lunch” is a free meal on campus at Christmas
time – we’ve averaged 100 alums from the last 4 graduating years.” MARA
“Alumni benefit concert, art show and dessert. Hand-picked highly talented alumni to perform
violin, opera, piano, etc. with the concert master of Philadelphia Orchestra (school parent). All
art on display is created by alumni artists. Advertise the event with posters, e-mail blasts, and a

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mailer. Incorporated alumni artists both on display and performing, which encouraged alumni
and friends of those in their classes.” DELW
“Homecoming Alumni Night.” CHAS
“Make a big deal about Homecoming – faculty members say that it’s better than their own
college homecomings! Especially encourage 5 year increment “milestone” class reunions to
participate. Cater an alumni dinner on Friday night. Have a pig roast / tailgate party before the
game on Saturday. Hold a 5K run on campus and offer building tours. They make opportunities
to integrate grads with current students throughout the weekend. Finish with worship service
on Sunday morning.” ANON
Other thanspecial gatherings intendedfor graduates, what else have youdone
that your alumni seemtoparticularly appreciate? For example:newletters,
alumni parent luncheon, graduate business directory, alumni chapel, mission
trips, jobfair / student mentoring, dedicatedwebsites, Hall of Honor. Please
select twoof your most successful enterprisesanddescribe themindetail.
“Quarterly alumni newsletter. This year began recognizing the Alumnus of the Year. Have a
mission trip to the DR every few years that is exclusively alumni.” WRTH
“1. The "Hall of Honor" has been very well received. The purpose is to recognize individuals
that were involved in "Ministry and Service" (school employees) / "Arts and Life" (parents,
alumni, and volunteers or faculty members heavily involved in the arts) / and "Athletics". 2. We
established a blog, and have populated it with a load of data, photos, and videos - but it's very
work intensive and have found it difficult to keep the content fresh.” DAYT
“Alumni specifically appreciate the annual Eagles Eye publication (which has alumni and school
updates). Also, the opportunity to attend Alumni Chapel, Homecoming, etc. Alumni that have
babies are also sent a small branded gift that is appreciated.” CHCA
“Newsletters and alumni FaceBook page.” CHAS
“Quarterly Alumni e-newsletters : information/pictures on alumni and what our students and
teachers are doing. Great response - just keeping them in the know. Highlighted different
themes: alumni in the arts, alumni serving in the military - connecting this to our “Alumnus of
the Year” article. Open House Alumni Gatherings at the Head of school's house by decades.
Saturdays 4pm -6pm in Oct, Nov, Feb, and March. Appetizers and beverages, video loop of
their decade, gift takeaway. Promote by postcard to area alumni, FaceBook page and group,
emails, class reps.” DELW
“Mothers of Alumni Luncheon on campus. Had it when students were on campus, they loved
hearing from our new Headmaster. Will do a Mothers' Dinner this year so that working moms
can come. Will also invite current mothers, as alumni mothers are good mentors. We also
invited alumni dads to the dads dinner, and look forward to pumping up marketing for that next

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year. We started an Alumni Performing Arts Revue last summer where performing arts alums
perform and all alums, parents of alums are invited. Had a great time with 70 people last year,
and are hoping for a bigger turnout this year.” MARA
“Friday Night Football games on-campus. A number of alumni attend our football games and
enjoy re-engaging with classmates. Our Headmaster travels to cities where there is a large
concentration of alumni. We call it the “Viking Alumni Tour”. A high percentage of alumni
attend these events, where the Headmaster hosts them for a meal in a private room of a local
restaurant.” LAKE
“Unsure - realize by this question that we don't get much feedback - our efforts to send
birthday cards to college-age alums seems to be appreciated, but we hear that as much from
the parents as the graduate.... Our annual parent of alumni dinner/theatre event (dinner
precedes annual Spring Musical) is well attended (approx. 100) and seems to be appreciated.
Our Hall of Fame recognition (handled every other year by the Athletic Office) seems to be
something else that they value.” CUYA
“I don't know enough about this yet.” BENL
Do you have some type of an alumni representative council? If "Yes", how are
they selected? Are they independent or are they officially connectedwiththe
school? What is their purpose? Dothey have any specific areas of
responsibility? Howdo they best support your missionof Alumni Relations?
“All members of the alumni council are alumni from various classes. We meet 3 to 4 times a
year to discuss events and brainstorm ideas. The responsibility has been minimal but would
like to get them to be more of an active board for events. I would love to hear about how other
schools are networking their alumni with each other or with recent graduates for internships or
jobs.” DELW
“The Alumni Relations Coordinator (a former role that no longer exists) solicited volunteers
based alumni who stayed engaged with the school. We are now independent and exist to
connect alumni to each other, to the school, and to the greater CHCA community. They are
working to build an alumni association now.” CHCA
“Not yet. We are working on what this would look like. I would like to have quarterly
meetings.” MARA
“Our Dayton Christian Alumni Council is independent of the school - but have been the heart
and the hands of the event planning and coordination these past three years. Each of the four
decades of alumni have three delegates to represent them on council. They have sponsored
alumni brainstorming sessions, survey's, specialty gatherings (like a theatre reunion), tried
raising funds (unsuccessfully) for some small gifts for various school department needs, and
participate with welcoming the new graduating class into the alumni family in a ceremony prior

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to commencement. Their written mission is : “To welcome back all former students, graduates,
parents, faculty, and staff back to the school family; facilitating reconnection with each other
and interconnection opportunities with the ministry today.” Their foundational objectives are :
“to affirm a long-term commitment to this effort / to accept each in the unconditional love of
Christ / to treat all as valued and accomplished adults / to help each understand the Christ-
centered nature and excellence of the ministry today / and to assure them their interests are
truly at the heart of this initiative.” DAYT
Please list any private school inyour area that is renowned for their fundraising
support and alumni relations success. What makes themspecial?
“Walsh Jesuit High School - a Catholic school well supported by its families and community
Western Reserve Academy - is over 100 years old with a $2 million annual fund and active
alumni community.” CUYA
“Area private secular schools engrain giving back to their alma mater while they are students.
They have huge school pride with years of tradition. ie: on reunion year each give a class gift
back to the school and they have contests of giving between classes. They also have cocktail
parties with alcohol and food on the school. They spend a lot of money to get a lot of money.”
DELW
“La Salle High School. They have had the same alumni director for 5+ years and they have a
number of great programs.” MARA
“Chaminade Julienne High School is a local parochial school. They are very community-focused,
have been in business since 1850, and have intentionally developed and courted alumni
involvement for several decades. They also do a wonderful job explaining to existing students
that they are benefiting today from the generous and ongoing financial support of previous
generations, and that they will be counted on to do the same for the next generation.” DAYT
Would you describe your current status withalumni relations as progressing,
regressing, or static? What do you think are the main factors that contribute to
your present reality?
“Progressing - more grads visit us and make effort to stay in touch. Our recently established
Schools of Distinction (business and entrepreneurship, medical professions, engineering,
ministry) provide ways for alums to participate as mentors, speakers, internship hosts, etc.”
CUYA
“Progressing. Except for the loss of the coordinator role, which has yet to be communicated. I
am hopeful we will not lose momentum as a result of that loss.” CHCA
“Progressing. We are stepping up our social media efforts and are being more intentional this
year regarding alumni relations.” LAKE

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“Progressing, we have a fresh focus on alumni.” CHAS
“Progressing, as my position was changed so that I can focus on alumni and parents of alumni
twenty hours per week.” MARA
“We’ve been growing the program - getting accurate information on alumni, continuing to
communicate to alumni about graduates and the school. Sometimes it can be discouraging
because the results are hard to measure if the giving is not improving. I am a friend-raiser,
connecting others to the school. However, the fund-raiser is not seeing the results we would
love to see. Also, events are difficult and not well attended. We would love to see more alumni
on campus and at fun, innovative events (if anyone else has them).” DELW
“Static, because the position is empty, but on the verge of progressing.” BENL
“Static. Need a better vision on how to engage them effectively.” WRTH
“Currently static. We've built a great foundation over the past three years that we can point
back to - we're just a bit uncertain on how to move forward and to more effectively engage a
greater percentage of our graduate population. I believe that, while the efforts have been
appreciated, the novelty has worn off for some. Others have used the reconnections with
former classmates and teachers to redirect their continued interactions to social media.” DAYT
What do you think are the three biggest barriers toincreasedsuccess with
alumni relations?
“Alumni feel a closer connection to their college than their high school. It's hard to maintain an
accurate database. They will move and will fail to notify the school.” LAKE
“Alums had a mixed experience here, the school has changed significantly, and we don't have
their current contact information.” MARA
“People are busy. They are no longer invested in their school. Alumni do not value Christian
education.” DELW
“They are too busy with their immediate life events, whether it be ministry, family, church,
work, or any other current life experience, to give much thought to their high school. They are
conflicted by their college loyalties. They don't feel they have anything to contribute (money or
time).” CUYA
“Relevant communication. Effective communication. Timely communication. Graduates that
don't want to engage cannot be swayed. However, I believe that those that are intrigued or
even a little bit curious, could become strong allies if they can honestly come to understand
that the ministry is impacting souls for Christ today in specific and personal ways. They need to
realize that their prayers and gifts of time and treasure are immeasurably helpful to this

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teacher, that student, that life, this world. If they can just catch the vision, see the value,
understand the need... Most of those seeds are planted through excellent communication!”
DAYT
“1. Time 2. Money 3. And for us, the alumni from Asheville feel little to no connection with
the Columbia school.” BENL
“Lack of vision. Limited communication.” WRTH
“Determining who wants to be connected and involved, how to best connect with them and
involve them in ways that best serve their specific interests and connections to the school. We
continue to position the value of our alumni to the board, so they'll support our efforts to
engage and retain them.” CHCA
“Time.” CHAS
If you were to do a "Cost/Benefit"analysis of what your school has done for
your graduates and contrast it withwhere youcurrently standwithalumni
relations - couldyou honesty argue that the time and resources have been
worththe investment? Please explain.
“This must be considered a long-term investment. Don't expect to see anything in the way of a
financial "return" for a minimum of 20 years. They must be gainfully employed, raise a family,
etc. before having much in the way of disposable income to make contributions to their high
school. The goal is to remain part of their life and heart in a consistent way so they continue to
consider it a place worthy of their donation. Don't stop asking for it, but don't expect to see it
too soon. In addition, alums involved in ministry and/or active in their church or para-church
organization will not see themselves as able to make donations beyond their current
involvement.” CUYA
“We have not invested much time and effort in alumni relations to this point. However, what
little we have invested seems to have been worth the effort. Alumni express great appreciation
that the Headmaster took the time to look them up for the Viking Alumni Tour events.” LAKE
“This is something we need to invest time into going forward.” CHAS
“A "Cost/Benefit" analysis done by an accountant, would look discouraging. A "Cost/Benefit"
analysis done by a minister would look encouraging. It's all a matter of perspective. Are these
graduates worth our corporate time, efforts, and focus? It depends on our collective purpose
for these efforts...” DAYT
“So far, I think we're on par. If anything, we actually get more than we give in volunteer efforts.
The budget is spent on small gifts, mailing costs, and event supplies (food, etc.).” CHCA

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“Alums appreciate what little we have done, so it is a definitely a benefit.” MARA
“Good question. This job can be discouraging as results are often not found by looking at the
giving of alumni. I have built this program from nothing. Most of my alumni know who I am,
they know who to go to when contacting the school, and they share their stories with me. They
still don't overwhelmingly attend events. This is not successful - but they are feeling more
valued and heard than ever before. Future graduates can read stories of alumni and be
inspired, or are able to network by making connections through my help.” DELW
What specific metricsdoyou use to gauge your overall effectiveness /progress
in alumni relations? Pleaseexplain.
“No metrics are currently in place.” WRTH
“Number of alumni donors. Number of current alumni parents.” CHAS
“Alumni giving. Parents of alumni coming back to campus. Would appreciate your help on
this.” MARA
“Feedback. As I contact alumni on their involvements, I find that more and more alumni are
interested in sharing their information after reading about others from the school. Alumni
want to see their name in writing.” DELW
“Unfortunately, many of the metrics seem too subjective. How do you truly measure alumni
appreciation or goodwill? Not sure that it can be effectively tied too closely to donations from
graduates - although at some level, that absolutely must be measured and considered.” DAYT
“None that I am aware of (as attested to by the role being eliminated).” CHCA
“We don't.” LAKE
“No specifics metrics available.” CUYA
Can you recommendany books, articles, on-line resources, classes, or
associations that have beenparticularly helpful toyouin your work?
www.alumnichannel.com CHCA
“The Alumni Program Council was very helpful as we began our journey, but they are no longer
in business. Ideas have been obtained by visiting websites of successful schools.” CUYA
“Local roundtables with alumni professionals. Extremely helpful!” MARA

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“We peruse information at the Independent School Management group website
www.isminc.com. It’s a consortium of smaller private schools with great ideas.” DAYT
“Philippians 4:10 is our Advancement Departments’ guiding verse – “But I rejoiced in the Lord
greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but
you lacked opportunity.” (NKJV)
If a Christianschool decidedtobegintheir ownalumni relations initiativefrom
scratchand askedyou for advice, what two greatest pearlsof wisdomwould
you offer?
“Start now - with the current graduating class - make your office known to them - what you do
and why - and begin to cultivate a desire to "give back". Thank those who are currently active,
involved, and donating.” CUYA
“I need the pearls!” MARA
“1. Teach current students how to be good alumni (how to stay connected with the school, how
to give back, etc.) 2. Make it easy to access information that alumni care about (like who is
where, doing what, etc.) and to get involved by having a variety of low effort ways to connect
with the school based on interests (like reaching out to football players about big football
games or awards ceremonies, theatre folks about plays, etc.).” CHCA
“Know exactly what you want to accomplish.” WRTH
“Invest in the alums before they graduate.” LAKE
“Do it for the right reasons. It cannot be exclusively for financial considerations - grads will be
able to see right through that approach and you'll be sorely disappointed. You must have a
heart for your alumni and you must be determined to serve them, and genuinely befriend them
no matter what. It should be about reconnecting them with one another and about
reintroducing them to what amazing things are happening at the ministry today. It must also
be more about public relations than fundraising. The goodwill and ancillary benefits that could
result from cultivating these relationships, and giving them an opportunity to engage in
whatever way they feel comfortable, whenever they're ready, are absolutely positive and
immeasurable. So set the proper expectations and enjoy the journey!” DAYT
“Invest time and energy early and often to create long lasting relations. Alumni are our best
ambassadors when they are engaged.” CHAS
“Strive to minister to donors while promoting the organization. Focus primarily on the mission
of the school and advancing the cause of Christian education. You have to treat alumni kindly
and with respect. You can’t have an ulterior motive. And even if your invitations are dismissed,
you need to keep reaching out.” ANON

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“1. Begin early. When a school first opens it should know how it is going to deal with alumni.
2. Build relationships.” BENL
“Create an alumni page on your school's website and have an alumni update form (first thing I
did). Find two people from each class who can help with gathering info on their classmates.
Give them the info you have on their class and ask them to fill in the gaps by contacting them
on facebook, emails,etc.. You will find greater success using classmates then trying to do it on
your own as an "outsider." DELW
Additional Thoughts
Shared in Telephone Interviews
CINCINNATI HILLS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY – Cincinnati, Ohio (CHCA)
 Had 128 students in their class of 2014. High school tuition is $14,125.
 One of the on-line resources that they use is NAIS – the National Association of
Independent Schools http://www.nais.org/Pages/default.aspx. NAIS claims that the
average percentage of independent school alumni giving is 15%. Cincinnati Hills has
been closer to 4%. However, they changed their approach to requesting alumni gifts in
2014 and participation increased this year to nearly 15%.
 Working to instill a “philanthropic attitude” in their current students.
 One of their more popular gatherings has been an Alumni-Faculty “Grill-Out”.
 Organize a “College 101” event for seniors that feature recent school grads with
presentations about life after high school and Q&A opportunities.
 Use Blackbaud “Raisers Edge” to build and maintain alumni contact information.
 Created two SurveyMonkey surveys for their grads 1995–2003 and 2004–2013.
Incentivized them to complete the survey by offering to include all the participants in a
drawing for an I-Pad Mini.
 Publish an electronic alumni newsletter quarterly. It highlights individual alumni news
and photos. It also has a column mentioning upcoming alumni events and opportunities
for reunion planning. They also send out “Save the Date” postcards twice a year.
 Started a program with their new graduates two years ago. They give them a one dollar
bill and a two dollar bill when they graduated. The school then asks the alumni to give
these back to them – the one dollar bill on their first anniversary and the two dollar bill
once they’ve been out of high school two years. The idea was to get them to think
about giving back, at regular intervals, to their alma mater. However, this approach
proved ineffective and has been discontinued.
 The school now promises that they will not solicit alumni for donations until 5 years
post-graduation.
CHRISTIAN ACADEMY – Louisville, Kentucky (CHAS)
 Have two main campus K-12 schools, approximately 25 miles apart, in two different
states. Both are “Christian Academy”, but they have different school mascots, and don’t

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complete athletically. There is a $2,500 difference in high school tuition between the
Indiana ($7,100) and Kentucky ($9,600) campus.
 Alumni initiative was partially inspired by the fundraising success of local Louisville
parochial school St. Xavier High School. The school was founded in 1864, and their
alumni association was established in 1884.
 Publish an alumni newsletter twice a year which highlights the accomplishments,
mission work, and news about their graduates.
 Use Blackbaud “Raisers Edge” for alumni tracking, but they have virtually no relevant
data. They attempted an address update search but it only returned about 200 records.
 Have been inspired by Briarcrest Christian School in Memphis, TN and Lipscomb
Academy in Nashville. Model themselves in many ways after these two institutions.
 Believes that social media has undermined alumni reunions.
 “It is way easier to ask a business or an individual for a donation to the ministry, than to
try and procure dollars from an alumnus!”
 Searching for a grad to take a lead role in communicating with their former students…
“It takes an alumni to really speak to other alumni.”
 Currently have a student population of 3,000 across four schools and they are growing.
 Sponsor a very successful ticketed gala event every year for current families and alumni
that features a “silent auction” and reserved tables.
CUYAHOGA VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY - Akron, Ohio (CUYA)
 Founded in 1968 their first class graduated in 1970. They have 3,800 total graduates.
Tuition is $9,500 for all grades.
 Follow a “schools of distinction” model.
 Started alumni initiative in 2007 intent on building relationships. Attended alumni
relations seminars and concluded that, “You absolutely cannot start out with an ‘ask’!”
Expect that this work will require a consistent thirty year effort to bear significant fruit.
 Keep an Alumni Guest Book for graduate visitors to the school.
 Make it a point to send handwritten, personal notes to alumni whenever appropriate.
 Trying to focus especially on “second generation” grads.
 A consultant was recently hired to review the schools processes and practices, including
their Alumni Relations efforts.
DELAWARE COUNTY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (DELW)
 Currently have 750 students K-12. High school tuition is $15,000.
 The Mission of DC is : “To educate students who will serve God and impact the world
through biblical thought and action.”
 One of the ways that they market their school is through a menu of short videos called
“I am DC”. Here’s the link : http://www.dccs.org/uploaded/I-AM-DC/index.html
 Work with “Donor Connect” for database management. Alumni contact information is
antiquated and incomplete.
 The “Keynoter” is a three times a year alumni publication that spotlights two graduates,
and provides class notes and reunion information. This has been very well received.

17. 17
 The Alumni Relations Coordinator has been her position for nearly six years. During her
first few years, alumni interaction was her primary duty. She absolutely considers her
role to be that of a “friend-raiser”, not a fund-raiser. The Director of Annual Giving is
the person that solicits contributions from alumni and the greater school family.
 When Delaware County celebrated their 60th anniversary, they attempted to engage
their graduates in a first-ever donation “Alumni Challenge” campaign, asking each
alumni to give the amount of their graduation year. For example, a 1989 graduate
would be asked to donate $19.89. Team captains were recruited for each class and
there was a huge push to contribute. Nearly one-third of the alumni participated at
some level. Unfortunately, they have not been able to replicate that success.
 Sponsored many alumni events from 2007 – 2011, including homecoming, alumni
chapel, alumni benefit gala, movie matinee with dodge ball, and a Christmas reception.
However, the turn-out for these events were consistently disappointing.
 While class reunions are still popular, they think that FaceBook has contributed to a
smaller numbers of grads attending. It’s just easier for classmates to get caught-up with
each other with a few clicks of a button…
 Although they have been around for a long time, they are unfortunately not steeped in
any specific traditions. The school seems to keep changing things from year to year – so
it’s hard to attach their alumni to any one great event.
MARANATHA HIGH SCHOOL – Pasadena, California (MARA)
 They are the only evangelical school in the San Gabriel Valley. The closest ACSI school is
about 25 miles away.
 High school tuition is $17,000 per year. 40% of the families receive significant tuition
assistance.
 Enrollment is increasing. The high school has 670 students and they have virtually
maxed out their capacity!
 Their school is very strong in the arts.
 Offer smaller class sizes and more AP classes and opportunities to their students than
most area schools. Stress “intentionality”.
 Send quarterly “e-news” to their alumni with a simple “ask” for donations.
 Purposefully striving to engage the parents of their graduates through annual “Mothers
of Alumni Luncheon” and “Dinner with Dads”.