8 Reasons to Boost Alumni Network Participation

The impact of a strong alumni network cannot be emphasized enough. Your alumni’s diverse professional journeys are a tremendously valuable resource of knowledge and support.

From fostering intergenerational mentorship to securing your high school or nonprofit's lasting legacy, alumni networks unlock numerous opportunities. A generous alumni network not only enriches their lives, but also contributes to the sustained success of your organization.

For an extra dose of motivation, here are eight reasons why ramping up your alumni program strengthens everyone in the community.

Highlight Your Alumni’s Edge

Amplify the achievements of your alumni through a collective acknowledgment of their journey and contributions. As more people join your alumni association, more opportunities grow to spotlight the excellence that defines your brand.

Redefine Alumni Networking

Transform the notion of networking from formal and sometimes intimidating for younger alumni, to casual, helpful and accessible connections. By building alumni engagement, you’ll be carving out spaces for new relationships to blossom.

These relationships are the foundation of a lifelong network that supports both personal and professional growth of young and old alumni alike.

Support Alumni Engagement

Break down walls that divide and start building strong bonds through your alumni network. Encouraging students and alumni to engage in alumni groups means creating vibrant communities around shared geography, industries, and advocacies.

Beyond networking, you’ll be cultivating a sense of belonging that will stay with them long after they have completed your program.

Pioneer Alumni Mentorship Programs

Enabling students to find mentors through your alumni network is one of the most impactful ways you can set them up for success in the real world. A dynamic mentorship program opens doors to myriad opportunities and experiences for both participants.

Much research has been done on the impact of mentorship programs at the Higher education level. A recent CASE article notes "The mentor gets so much more out of the program than the mentee does”.

Mentorship shapes careers and forges lasting connections. By increasing your alumni's access to mentors you are building affinity, engagement and GRADitude!

Offer Memorable and Valuable Alumni Events

Make the shift from routine to remarkable. From family barbeques and fundraising galas to virtual happy hours and class reunions, alumni events offer new experiences and opportunities to strengthen ties, build goodwill for your organization, and infuse excitement into the alumni journey.

Deliver Alumni Membership Benefits and Savings

You always want to communicate that being part of your alumni network has it's benefits. Companies like Access offer turnkey discount and perks programs that will get your alumni to sign up for your membership or alumni network in a heartbeat!

Create a Culture of Volunteering

Encouraging alumni to volunteer with your programs extends your capacity day-to-day operations as well as broader alumni initiatives. It is well known that donations of time are the first step to giving.

Crafting diverse volunteering opportunities may take some extra time, but the return on investment becomes evident in both increased productivity and heightened engagement.

Strengthen your Brand

More alumni joining your network means enhancing your reputation. A strong network boosts the perceived value of their relationship with your organization and can drive more referrals and enrollment, whether your is a high school, nonprofit or higher education institution.

Build Your Legacy

An active alumni network is more than a static list of names and contact information. It's a key to recognition, genuine connections, and long term impact.

Considering establishing an alumni network but not sure where to start? Explore 360Alumni’s comprehensive alumni engagement solution designed to organize, connect, and engage your alumni community. From membership to mentorship, we'll help you build a lasting legacy for all who participated in your programs.

Edited by Joy Therese Gomez

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