Catering to your school’s alumni offers a variety of rewards. Not only do these individuals frequently donate via alumni events and other happenings, but they also spread school awareness through social media and word of mouth. Review several ways to increase alumni engagement at your school to reap these benefits.

How to Increase Alumni Engagement

1. Dedicate Part of Your School’s Website to Graduates

Use a section of your school’s website especially for the alumni community with an events calendar, a forum for graduates to connect and network, a photo gallery, the latest school news, and anything else that will drive traffic. They’ll appreciate that the website isn’t only for current and potential students.

2. Host Offsite Events

Create an alumni events schedule that includes plenty of off-campus options since former students are often more willing to participate if they’re not exclusively limited to their former schools. Research trendy restaurants, bars, and venues in your community, as well as those beyond. You’ll reach more alumni by increasing your event range, especially if you have sister schools in different states.

3. Utilize the Nostalgia Factor

Post throwback photos of alumni, your campus, and events on social media, including Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Encourage alumni to share their school memories or photos in the comments to increase social media likes and shares. Nostalgia posts tug at graduate heartstrings, which helps them remember why they loved the school. It can inspire them to donate and attend more alumni events.

4. Showcase Alumni Achievements

Use your website, social media accounts, and magazine or newsletter to highlight the achievements of your graduates, such as big career moves or involvement with nonprofit organizations. Focus on any extracurricular activities your graduates have going on as well, such as those who win chess tournaments or participate in marathons. This also benefits current students because it shows how going to your school informed career and overall life choices. 

Since 1907, the St. Louis Alumni Association has hosted alumni events supporting graduates in Honolulu, HI. The organization helps graduates fund reunions, fundraisers, parties, and other events, and features a clubhouse that’s open to the public. Call (808) 949-6633 today to discuss your alumni event, or visit the organization online for membership information. Keep up with the latest news on Facebook.