From dorm stays to Alaskan cruises, here’s what’s working now

In a year where budgets are tight and teams are stretched, alumni events are still at the heart of engagement strategies. But these events are also evolving, becoming smarter, more creative, and in many cases, more impactful.

We recently hosted a panel discussion with alumni leaders from three very different institutions:

• Amy Joy from Furman University
• Lauren Parish and Leisa Domotor from Claremont McKenna College
• Lisa Frase from Lubbock Christian University

Together, they unpacked how their teams are reimagining events in 2025—what’s working, what’s changed, and what they’re planning next. Here's a quick look at their event landscapes:

A quick look at their event landscape ✨

Claremont McKenna College (California)

• Hosts 200+ events a year, including regional, virtual, and flagship on-campus programs

• Major events include Alumni Weekend and Impact CMC, with 500–800+ attendees

• Launched new science- and athletics-themed events tied to campus developments

• Running outreach programs for GOLD (graduates of the last decade)

Furman University (South Carolina)

• Hosts about 100 events annually

• Flagship events include Family Weekend and Homecoming, which saw about 1,000 registrants and over 25 sub-events

• Organizes large affinity reunions, especially for music-based groups

• In the lead-up to their 2026 bicentennial, which will also mark the end of a capital campaign

Lubbock Christian University (Texas)

• Focuses heavily on Homecoming, which features 50–60 sub-events

• Expanding regional engagement through tailgates and dinners

• Recently launched a travel-based alumni program called Big Blue Tours, beginning with an Alaskan cruise

• The alumni team consists of just two people

Five ideas to try for your next event 💡

1. Let nostalgia power your events

Claremont McKenna lets alumni stay in dorms during Alumni Weekend. They can choose quads, single or double rooms, and even select a roommate. The logistical lift is real, but the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

2. Affinity reunions build lasting connections

Furman’s music alumni, like the Furman Singers, routinely organize their own reunions with support from the alumni office. These gatherings attract hundreds and have inspired other groups, like the bands and choir, to follow suit.

3. Use events as a giving opportunity

Furman added a “gift ticket” to registration forms. At one MLK breakfast, they received a surprise $500 donation. They now include this option for most events.

4. Automate the manual stuff

All three institutions use Almabase’s sync with Raiser’s Edge NXT to avoid manual data entry. Event staff can access live registration data during the event and sync everything with a click afterwards.

“Volunteers want daily updates. I can now share real-time numbers with zero hassle,” said Lisa Frase from Lubbock Christian.

5. Offer early incentives that actually work

Claremont McKenna rolled out all-inclusive ticket packages for Alumni Weekend and saw a 5% increase in per-person revenue. Furman uses the phrase “early is on time” to encourage advance registration for its choral reunions, adding a thematic touch that resonates with alumni.

Smarter ways to promote your events ✉️

Getting alumni to show up isn’t just about the event — it’s about how you get the word out. Here are a few promotion strategies that worked across different institutions:

• Peer-to-peer outreach through class committees
At Claremont McKenna, milestone reunions were powered by peer outreach. This led to stronger turnout and more updated contact info.

• Targeted text messaging
Furman University used a texting tool to send timely event reminders. They saw a noticeable bump in registrations right after targeted texts went out, especially for younger alumni and affinity reunions.

• Social media amplification via university channels
Both Furman and Lubbock Christian leaned on their university’s central communications teams to promote events on official channels. Event graphics, alumni shoutouts, and countdown posts helped reach audiences beyond email.

What’s coming next for these institutions ❓

• Furman is preparing for its bicentennial year in 2026 with multiple large-scale campus events

• Claremont McKenna is planning alumni engagement around the launch of a new science centre, expanded athletic facilities, and the 50th anniversary of co-education

• Lubbock Christian is continuing its Big Blue Tours series, with an Alaskan cruise already fully booked and a Greek Islands trip next in line

Final takeaway: Small changes can drive big results 🚀

Whether it’s letting alumni stay in dorms, setting up mobile POS check-ins, or using a simple “gift this ticket” option, these teams are proving that thoughtful strategy plus the right tools can make alumni events more engaging and far more efficient.

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👉 Want to hear the full conversation? Watch the full webinar recording here: