10 Great Alumni Relations Initiatives to Inspire You
Alumni relations have come a long way from simple newsletters and reunion invites. Today, institutions are embracing creativity, technology, and community-driven values to build meaningful, lasting connections with their alumni.
In this blog, we’ve curated 10 standout alumni initiatives that go beyond the ordinary. Whether you're looking to spark new ideas or elevate your existing engagement strategy, these examples are sure to inspire your next big move.
What counts as an alumni relations initiative?
An alumni relations initiative refers to any program, event, or effort specifically designed to engage and strengthen ties with an institution’s alumni community. These initiatives aim to foster a sense of belonging, keep alumni informed, and encourage continued involvement in the life of the school or university. In essence, alumni relations initiatives are a focused subset of broader alumni programs—those that revolve around community-building rather than fundraising, career services, or admissions support.
These initiatives can take many shapes depending on the institution’s goals and audience. Across the US, UK, and Canada, schools and universities have adopted a wide range of strategies to stay connected with their alumni in meaningful ways. Below are some of the most common and effective alumni relations initiatives seen in practice today:
- Reunion Events: Class reunions, homecoming weekends, or milestone gatherings
- Alumni Chapters & Regional Meetups: Local events organized by geography or shared interests
- Mentorship Programs: Pairing alumni with current students or recent graduates
- Alumni Awards & Recognition: Honoring outstanding alumni achievements
- Online Communities & Networking Platforms: Digital spaces for alumni to connect and collaborate
- Lifelong Learning Opportunities: Webinars, courses, and lectures exclusively for alumni
- Volunteer Engagement: Alumni-led committees, ambassador programs, or event support
- Career Support & Job Boards: Alumni-exclusive job listings, resume reviews, and networking
- Affinity Groups: Communities based on identity, profession, or extracurricular involvement
- Alumni Newsletters & Magazines: Regular updates showcasing alumni stories and institutional developments
These are some of the most popular ways schools and universities stay connected with their alumni, but the real magic lies in how each institution puts its own spin on them. From small colleges to large universities, we’ve seen some truly creative and impactful ideas take shape.
10 alumni relations initiatives to take inspiration from
In this section, we’re highlighting 10 real-life examples of alumni relations initiatives that stand out. Each one comes with a quick snapshot (literally, where possible!) so you can see how these ideas were brought to life and maybe even borrow a little inspiration for your own alumni strategy.
1. Kent State's Care Calls to New Graduates
In a time when many new graduates feel uncertain about their next steps, Kent State University took a deeply human approach—picking up the phone. As part of their wonderful initiatives, the university launched Care Calls, where staff and faculty personally called recent graduates to check in, offer congratulations, and provide information on alumni resources and support.
What made this initiative so powerful wasn’t just the information shared—it was the gesture itself. A personal call during a major life transition reminded students that they remained part of the Kent State family even after crossing the graduation stage. It turned a one-way farewell into a two-way conversation, reinforcing lifelong belonging. The program’s success earned it a CASE Circle of Excellence Award in 2024.
2. Next-Gen Platform Takes Alumni Engagement to New Level
Punahou School earned a 2024 CASE Circle of Excellence Award for its cutting-edge alumni engagement platform, built in partnership with Almabase. The platform brought together events, volunteer opportunities, career networking, and alumni directories—all in one easy-to-navigate space. The result? A dramatically improved alumni experience and increased participation.
This thoughtful integration led to a measurable impact: over 7,000 alumni became active monthly users, 70% of contactable alumni engaged with the platform, and more than 30,000 alumni profile views were recorded. Additionally, job boards saw 2,000+ self-serve interactions, and alumni resources received over 19,000 engagements. By leveraging Almabase’s tailored technology, Punahou not only modernized its engagement strategy but also built a stronger, more connected alumni community. The initiative demonstrates how the right tech partner can transform passive alumni databases into thriving, connected communities.

3. Undercover President Meets Alumni in Their Workplaces
St. Lawrence College took a bold and refreshingly personal approach to alumni relations by sending their college president undercover. As part of this initiative, the president visited alumni at their workplaces, not just to observe, but to celebrate their post-college journeys in a deeply authentic way. These surprise visits were documented and shared as inspiring stories of alumni success, bridging the gap between the institution and its graduates in a memorable and human-centered way.
What made this initiative stand out wasn’t just the novelty; it was the genuine connection it created. Alumni felt recognized and valued, while the broader college community gained new appreciation for the real-world impact of their peers. The initiative earned St. Lawrence College a 2024 CASE Circle of Excellence Award for redefining how leadership can show up for alumni, literally and figuratively.
4. Connecting Students and Alumni Through Externship Experiences
William & Mary's innovative approach to alumni engagement involved facilitating externship experiences that connected current students with alumni in their professional environments. This initiative earned the university a 2024 CASE Circle of Excellence Award in the Alumni Relations category.
By providing students with the opportunity to shadow alumni in various industries, the program offered real-world insights and fostered meaningful connections between students and graduates. These short-term experiences not only enhanced students' understanding of potential career paths but also strengthened the alumni network by encouraging alumni to actively participate in mentoring the next generation.

5. TCU Fair Connects Alumni and Supports Scholarships and Alumni-Owned Businesses
Texas Christian University (TCU) brought alumni together in a really fun and meaningful way with their Horned Frog Vendor Fair. This event isn’t just about catching up — it’s all about shining a spotlight on alumni-owned businesses and giving back to the community through scholarships. Imagine a campus filled with alumni entrepreneurs selling everything from handmade jewelry to tasty treats, creating a buzz and building connections that matter.
What makes this initiative so special is how it turns alumni support into action — fostering a sense of pride, community, and collaboration all in one place. Plus, it’s a win-win: alumni get to promote their businesses, students benefit from scholarships, and everyone leaves feeling a little more connected. No wonder it snagged a CASE Circle of Excellence Award in 2024!
6. Thompson Rivers University’s New Alumni Welcome Reception
At Thompson Rivers University, graduation was not just about crossing the stage—it was about stepping into a lifelong community. The New Alumni Welcome Reception, held in the nostalgic TRU Old Gym, gave fresh graduates a chance to celebrate with family, friends, faculty, and fellow alumni. Following each convocation ceremony, the gym transformed into a festive space filled with music, photo ops with iconic TRU symbols like the TRU letters and Wolfie, and light refreshments.
This warm tradition, in recent years, saw record-breaking attendance, welcoming nearly 10,000 guests over three days and six ceremonies. The event’s success didn’t go unnoticed; it earned TRU a Gold award for Best Special Initiative from the Canadian Council for Advancement of Education (CCAE) in 2023.

7. The Aston for Life Platform
Aston University introduced the Aston for Life platform to provide its alumni with a centralized hub for personal and professional development. Launched in July 2023, the platform offers a range of resources, including career development tools, networking opportunities, and access to university news and events. This initiative earned Aston University a 2024 CASE Circle of Excellence Award in the Alumni Relations category.
By offering tailored content and opportunities, the platform ensures that alumni remain connected and supported throughout their careers. Features such as personalized career advice, industry-specific news, and community forums foster a sense of belonging and continuous growth among graduates.

8. Ask an Alum: Using AI as an Engagement Tool
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) took a forward-thinking approach to alumni engagement by integrating artificial intelligence into their "Ask an Alum" program. This initiative earned LSE a Gold award in the 2024 CASE Circle of Excellence Awards.
By leveraging AI, LSE streamlined the process of connecting current students with alumni, facilitating meaningful conversations about careers, experiences, and advice. The AI-driven system efficiently matched students' inquiries with the most relevant alumni, enhancing the overall engagement experience.

9. Young Alumni Opportunity Fund
Stanford University has been putting the power of alumni engagement directly into the hands of its recent graduates through the Young Alumni Opportunity Fund. This ongoing initiative has provided young alumni with micro-grants to create and host events that resonate with their peers, fostering a sense of community and connection beyond the campus.
From local meetups and virtual workshops to networking events, the fund has empowered alumni to take the lead in building meaningful relationships within the Stanford community. By supporting these grassroots efforts, Stanford continues to enhance alumni engagement while cultivating leadership and initiative among its recent graduates.

10. USask Golden Grads Program
At the University of Saskatchewan (USask), the Golden Grads Program is a heartfelt tribute to alumni who graduated 50 years ago. Initiated in 2017, this annual celebration honors the enduring connection between the university and its alumni, recognizing their contributions and lifelong bond with the institution. Each year, Golden Grads receive a commemorative golden alumni pin and parchment, symbolizing their lasting place in the USask community.
The program also features "Memory Lane," a curated collection of stories, photos, and traditions shared by fellow Golden Grads, allowing alumni to reminisce and reconnect with their peers. It’s a beautifully simple idea that reminds us how powerful it can be to pause, look back, and celebrate the journey because alumni engagement isn’t just about the present, but honoring the paths that led us here.

These initiatives show that alumni engagement isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s personal, thoughtful, and evolving. What ties them all together is a deep understanding of community and a creative commitment to keeping the alumni spirit alive.
Best practices for any successful alumni relations program or initiative
No matter how creative or ambitious your alumni initiative is, a few foundational practices can go a long way in making sure it actually connects with your community. Think of these as the essentials—habits and principles that the most impactful alumni teams consistently follow.
1. Use data to drive decisions
Before launching any initiative, dig into alumni engagement analytics—email open rates, event RSVPs, survey feedback. This helps you prioritize what alumni actually respond to, not what you think they want.
2. Segment your audience
Treat young alumni, mid-career professionals, and retirees differently. Use graduation year, location, and profession to personalize outreach and events. A mentorship invite for a recent grad isn’t going to resonate with a 1985 alum—and vice versa.
3. Build peer-to-peer momentum
Create alumni champions or ambassadors for different regions, industries, or class years. When initiatives are peer-driven rather than institution-driven, they gain more traction.
4. Integrate with student life
Make alumni relations part of the student experience before graduation. Invite alumni to guest lecture, offer externships, or co-host events. This ensures students transition into engaged alumni, not distant observers.
5. Celebrate milestones, not just fundraising
Spotlight 10-year reunions, professional achievements, new parents, or business launches. Engagement doesn’t always need to lead to a donation—sometimes it starts with a simple celebration.
6. Choose tech that scales but stays human
Platforms like Almabase can help automate communication, host events, and manage data to make sure your communication stays warm and human without having to write each email manually.
7. Measure and adjust
Don’t set and forget. Track KPIs like event attendance vs. registration, digital engagement, and volunteer sign-ups. Run quick pulse surveys post-events and use that insight to iterate.
Things to avoid when setting up an alumni relations initiative
Even with the best intentions, some common missteps can hold your initiative back. Here are a few pitfalls we’ve seen teams stumble into—and some gentle reminders to help you steer clear of them.
1. Don’t launch without clarity
If your initiative lacks a clear “why” or value proposition, alumni will eventually struggle to relate to your cause. They need to understand why your initiative exists and why now, as well as what they are gaining from participating.
2. Avoid asking before giving
Jumping straight into donation appeals—especially with younger alumni—can backfire. Offer value first, whether it's through mentorship, events, or learning opportunities.
3. Don’t rely on one-size-fits-all engagement
Personalization is simply not just a matter of luxury anymore but a growing necessity. Sending the same event invite or newsletter to a 23-year-old and a 60-year-old just won’t land the same way. Segmentation and personalization should be central to your communication and promotion efforts.
4. Neglecting internal collaboration
If your alumni office is working in a silo, you’re bound to not get the most out of your initiatives, whether that’s time wasted on manual syncs or solving redundancies. Sync with career services, student affairs, and advancement for richer programming and outreach.
5. Minimal post-event follow-up
Sending a thank-you is pretty much expected now, which means the standard is higher. Follow up with a thank-you, share event highlights, and suggest a next step (e.g., join a group, mentor, donate).
Conclusion
At the heart of every great alumni initiative is a simple goal: building genuine, lasting relationships. It’s about authenticity, continuity, and creating moments that make alumni feel seen, heard, and still part of the story. Whether you're just getting started or looking to level up, small, thoughtful steps can lead to a big, meaningful impact. So if you're designing your next initiative, let these ideas be a reminder: meaningful engagement starts with listening, builds with consistency, and grows with creativity.
About the author

Sharada is a freelance blogger and communication trainer who loves exploring the intersection of education and training. When not working, she enjoys reading and dabbling in calligraphy.
Blackbaud, the leading provider of software for powering social impact, and Almabase, the digital-first alumni engagement solution, have announced the expansion of their partnership to the education sectors of Canada and the United Kingdom. The partnership will provide institutions with a modern, digital-first solution to improve constituent data, drive self-serve engagement, and boost event participation.
A Unified Vision
The partnership aligns with Blackbaud’s commitment to customer-centric innovation across digital engagement, Advancement CRM, and financials.
“Partners bring integrated capabilities that extend capabilities and outcomes for Blackbaud customers. We are thrilled that Almabase’s offering, integrated with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT® and leveraging Blackbaud’s best-in-class payment solution, Blackbaud Merchant Services™, is now available to even more of our customers around the world.”
- Liz Price, Sr. Director of Global Partners at Blackbaud