This presentation addresses the process that Lewis University took to develop an engagement plan for student and young alumni programs sponsored by the alumni association.

1. 2014 ACI Conference

2. Introductions
 Margaret Grabowski
o Assistant Director of Alumni Relations
 Joe Volin
o Assistant Director of Alumni Relations

3. Why is S&YA Engagement Important?
 Increase number of students attending college
o 36% in 2001, 42% 2011
 More young alumni
o 10 million graduates between 18-30 years old
 Short term benefits
o Recruitment programs, networking, speakers, etc
 Long term benefits
o Culture of Philanthropy

4. Background
 Young Alumni Board (2010–2012)
 Young Alumni Committee (2012–Present)

5. Participants
 Alumni Relations Staff
 Student & Young Alumni Committee
 Division of Student Affairs

6. Timeline
 February 2013 – Campus Partner Discussion
 March 2013 – Benchmarking Peer Institutions
 April 2013 – Benchmarking/ Brainstorming
Impact/Effort Discussion
 May 2013 –Impact/Effort Discussion
 June 2013 - Program Discussion
 July 2013 – Program Discussion
 August 2013 – Committee Retreat
 September 2013 – Presentation of Engagement Plan

7. Campus Partner Discussion
 What are we doing currently for students?
 What are we currently doing for young alumni?

8. Benchmarking/Brainstorming
 17 Peer Institutions
o Committee members contacted alumni representatives
 Program Brainstorming

9. Peer Institutions
Local
Aurora University
Benedictine University
Concordia University
Elmhurst College
North Central College
Saint Xavier University
Regional
Butler University
Creighton University
Drury University
Valparaiso University
Lake Forest College
Briar Cliff University
Midwest Catholic Schools
DePaul University
Loyola University Chicago
Marquette University
University of Dayton
Saint Louis University

10. Impact/Effort
High Impact/Low Effort
0 Year Reunion
10 Things to Do Before
Graduation
Alumni 101 Orientation
Alumni ID Cards
Backpack to Briefcase
Commencement Volunteers
Endorsement Coupons
Graduation Reception
Networking/Career Events
Retreats
Social Media
Spirit Day
Student Alumni Association
Thank a Giver Day
Volunteer Opportunities
Welcome to College
High Impact/High Effort
Festival
Homecoming
Legacy Program
Seminars
Senior Day
Senior Trip
Senior Week
Signature Alumni Service
Day
Young Alumni University
Low Impact/Low Effort
3rd
Thursday Pub
Crawls
Alumni Event Box
Alumni Tours
Baseball Games
Coffee Series
Dinner for 10
Dinner with (faculty)
ICE Class Involvement
Tailgating
Low Impact/High Effort
Casino Night
Class Agent Program
Golf Outing
Grad Fair
Majors/Minors Fair
New Student Leadership
Awards
Regional Programs
Story Teller Videos
Travel Programs

11. Engagement Plan
 3-year program plan
o Current programs
o 2013-2014
o 2014-2015
o 2015-2016

12. Current Programs
Homecoming Birthday Bash
Freshmen
Sophomores/Juniors
Seniors
Young Alumni

13. 2013 - 2014
Homecoming Birthday Bash
Dinner for 10 Late Night Breakfast
Tuition Free Day
Freshmen
Sophomores/Juniors
Seniors
Young Alumni

14. 2014 - 2015
Homecoming Birthday Bash Dinner for 10
Late Night Breakfast Tuition Free Day
Speaker Series
Freshmen
Sophomores/Juniors
Seniors
Young Alumni

15. 2015 - 2016
Homecoming Birthday Bash Dinner for 10
Late Night Breakfast Tuition Free Day
Speaker Series Mentoring Program
Freshmen
Sophomores/Juniors
Seniors
Young Alumni

16. Where are we now?
 Year 1 (2013-2014) – Build Awareness
 Year 2 (2014-2015) – Increase Engagement
o Annual Retreat (July) – Evaluate past year, align goals
for specific upcoming programs
 Year 3 (2015-2016) – Increase/Maintain Engagement

17. Sample Proposal
Vision
A dinner sponsored by two alumni or one alumnus/a with 8 students to encourage and facilitate networking and connections
amongst alumni and students.
Activities
Two alumni sponsor a dinner for eight students. Four students are invited, who then bring one guest each. The dinner is
planned in discussion with the alumnus to determine location and student representation (specific major, organization, etc.)
Benefits
Provide an opportunity for students to connect and network with alumni.
Provide an opportunity for students to see what life as an alumnus can be.
Provide a connection for alumni to mentor or communicate with students in their field.
Demonstrate the importance of giving back to students.
Show alumni how their gifts and support of the university is being used through the selection of students that exemplify
Lewis’ mission and support from alumni.
Audiences
Attendance goal: 10 (per dinner)
Number of dinners for 2014 (goal): 2-3
Alumni: 2-3
Students: 8 +
Potential Campus Partners
Major Gifts team – identification of alumni willing to host the dinners.
Career Services – assistance identifying students interested in participating.
Student Services – assistance identifying students.
Academic Departments – assistance identifying students.

18. Questions??

19. Impact/Effort
High Impact/Low Effort
0 Year Reunion
10 Things to Do Before
Graduation
Alumni 101 Orientation
Alumni ID Cards
Backpack to Briefcase
Commencement Volunteers
Endorsement Coupons
Graduation Reception
Networking/Career Events
Retreats
Social Media
Spirit Day
Student Alumni Association
Thank a Giver Day
Volunteer Opportunities
Welcome to College
High Impact/High Effort
Festival
Homecoming
Legacy Program
Seminars
Senior Day
Senior Trip
Senior Week
Signature Alumni Service
Day
Young Alumni University
Low Impact/Low Effort
3rd
Thursday Pub
Crawls
Alumni Event Box
Alumni Tours
Baseball Games
Coffee Series
Dinner for 10
Dinner with (faculty)
ICE Class Involvement
Tailgating
Low Impact/High Effort
Casino Night
Class Agent Program
Golf Outing
Grad Fair
Majors/Minors Fair
New Student Leadership
Awards
Regional Programs
Story Teller Videos
Travel Programs

20. Contact Information
 Margaret Grabowski
o grabowma@lewisu.edu
o (815) 836-5472
 Joe Volin
o volinjo@lewisu.edu
o (815) 836-5472