6 Comments
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Tasha Williams's avatar

I agree with this post. The challenge is how do we go about changing this culture without damaging relationships with some of our most passionate volunteers. I think there's definitely a change management process to go through to get buy-in.

Ryan Catherwood's avatar

Thanks Tasha! I think it starts first and foremost by including few of those volunteers in enterprise-wide strategic planning for AE, where they hear from the President and cabinet level colleagues how AE is going to be elevated. When those volunteers are involved in planning with leadership from around the university, the can see and are directly involved in the shift itself. Let’s chat soon!

Ryan Catherwood's avatar

Agree completely! In my former role at NMU, I did not get overly focused on developing a formal alumni engagement plan...I focused on strategic direction and ensured our programming and activities supported the institution's strategic priorities. Also love how you defined the 3 forms of alumni associations we see today.

Robyn Stille's avatar

Agree completely! In a former role, I did not get overly focused on developing a formal alumni engagement strategic plan...I focused on strategic direction and ensured our programming and activities supported the institution's strategic priorities. Also love how you defined the 3 forms of alumni associations we see today.

Ryan Catherwood's avatar

Great to hear from you Robyn! The strategies and tactics we do in alumni and donor engagement should really be first and foremost connected to a strategic plan for advancement. Hopefully from there, we can take those priorities that involve engagement and then involve our campus partners whose buy-in will almost certainly be necessary to bring them to life.

Robyn Stille's avatar

True...in an ideal situation. =)