We might not see the fruits of our labor in alumni engagement right away - but it's all about planting that seed.

—Colleen O’Neil, Director of Alumni Engagement Programming, University of North Carolina Wilmington

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When you meet Colleen, the first thing you notice is her energy. Fun, driven, and relentlessly creative, Colleen has made a bold impact at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), shaping what alumni engagement looks like for a growing institution with over 110,000 alumni. In just under three years at UNCW, Colleen has transformed how the institution approaches alumni programming - by blending strategic metrics with programs that are as joyful as they are impactful.

Colleen takes pride in creating engaging experiences and has been recognized for her work, including receiving awards for outstanding advancement programs and being featured in the CASE Currents Magazine.

Bringing professors and pints together

One of Colleen’s most standout programs? Pints with Professors, a creative initiative that invites alumni back into the classroom, pint in hand, alongside the faculty who once inspired them. The event blends the intellectual energy of a lecture with the relaxed atmosphere of a social gathering. 

The goal is simple: leverage nostalgia and intellectual curiosity to drive deeper engagement. The result? Nearly 200 attendees for their most recent session—many of whom had never attended an alumni event before.

“They might not recognize our names in their inbox, but they remember their professor’s name. That’s the connection we tap into.”

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Turning Wilmington into a reunion destination

Colleen also pioneered Weekend in Wilmington, a June event series designed to bring alumni back when Wilmington really delivers for some fun in the sun and coastal adventures. Inspired by App State’s Winter Weekend, this beachy version includes site visits like the university’s Center for Marine Science and events that spark school spirit and curiosity alike. 

The second edition drew over 175 attendees, including many first-time participants. It’s another example of Colleen’s focus on creating experiences that are nostalgic, thoughtful, and grounded in data.

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Tracking engagement beyond the events

One of Colleen’s biggest contributions has been introducing CASE Insights on Alumni Engagement to the heart of UNCW’s alumni engagement strategy. Since joining, her team has implemented data tracking processes that go far beyond attendance lists and gift reports. From social media interactions to career updates, Colleen’s team now captures a more holistic view of alumni involvement.

The result? a strong foundation for engagement with an established baseline, plus an exciting 27% change in total engagement from year 1 to year 2. 

“We used to track event RSVPs and gifts. Now we’re trying to capture as many meaningful touchpoints as we can—from career updates, comment threads, class speakers to alums who submit feedback surveys.”

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What’s next for Colleen and UNCW?

Looking ahead, Colleen is focused on two things: expanding campus partnerships and continuing to "engage the unengaged." From handwritten notes to targeted micro-campaigns, her team is experimenting with high-touch, low-cost ways to spark connection. It’s all part of a long-game philosophy:

“We might not see the results right away, but if we make someone feel seen today, they may remember that note or connection years from now—when they’re ready to get more involved or give back.”

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Inspired by Colleen’s story?

Connect with her on LinkedIn and don’t forget to nominate the next great alumni engagement professional for the #TheOG50!