.svg)
Insights from Homecoming 2024: A brief early review
While the homecoming season is not over, 2024 has proven that educational institutions have learned much from previous years.
In this blog, we’d like to explore some interesting trends and strategies that we observed and what other institutions can learn from them. Let’s get started:
Author's Note: We chose these examples purely based on what we found interesting and no promotions, rewards, or affiliations were involved in the creation of this blog.
Hybrid events continue to prove that they’re here to stay
Many institutions continue to see the value of hybrid events to connect with a broader alumni base as it provide a mix of in-person and virtual experiences. By allowing alumni to participate regardless of their location, it reinforces the sense of community.
1. University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) and their Spirit Week featured global events, both virtual and physical, allowing alumni from different countries to join the celebrations. Participants engaged in creative challenges throughout the week via social media, using hashtags and even attending events in the Metaverse to feel more connected to their alma mater.
2. Illinois State University
Illinois State University incorporated a hybrid approach with its "Town and Gown Hybrid 5K Run," combining a physical race and virtual participation to encourage broader alumni involvement. Virtual participants could run in their own location, submit their race times online, and even receive race shirts by mail. To foster engagement, participants were encouraged to share their experience on social media using the hashtag “#RedbirdHomecoming”.
It’s exciting to see that adding hybrid options to homecoming events is gaining popularity, with broadcasting key events like parades via live streams becoming a standard practice. This is a welcome development as it allows alumni to experience the vibrancy of campus life even from afar.
Improving feedback collection and providing updates
While post-event surveys are a valuable tool, simply sending out a form may not always entice alumni to participate. To improve engagement and gather richer feedback, institutions can enhance the way they collect and share insights. This year, we have noticed some of these insights being put into action:
1. St. John's College
St. John’s College had not hosted a homecoming event since 2019. As they planned to resume in 2024, they not only invited feedback but also announced the changes early in the year. Seemingly small steps like these can go a long way in fostering alumni trust and confidence.
2. Bowdoin College
Bowdoin College took an introspective approach by including a feedback link within a narrative recap of their Homecoming 2024. Alumni were encouraged to reflect on their experiences while reading a vibrant recap and visual gallery of the events, giving them value and encouragement to provide feedback for their next iteration. You can check it out here.
Celebrating alumni and community members continues to be important
Recognizing outstanding alumni, supporters, and community members during homecoming can strengthen their connection to the institution while inspiring current students and fellow alumni. In addition to the typical alumni hall of fame, we’ve seen awards pop up to recognize younger alumni, active volunteers, and career spotlight awards.
1. Morehead State University (MSU)
Morehead State University (MSU) continued to host its annual Homecoming Awards to celebrate distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions. What we love about their approach is that they celebrate a diverse array of appreciations that cover various segments of their alumni at a banquet in addition to their hall of fame. You can find their list of award recipients here.
2. Alumni and student career-focused events
Another great way to appreciate alumni careers while engaging them is to use homecoming as an opportunity for them to give back. Some of the institutions that have taken this idea forward are:
- University of New Haven’s mock networking event
- Villanova University’s student-alumni leadership panel & networking event
- McGill University’s Career Fair and Alumni Meet and Greet
These are just some examples of taking the homecoming spirit forward as a way to bridge the gap between present and future alumni.
Some unique and meaningful engagement opportunities
Over the past few decades, Homecoming has proven to be one of the best opportunities to engage alumni while having some room to innovate and be creative. This year, several institutions continued to embrace creative events that provided unique experiences for all attendees.
1. Millerverse University
Millerverse University hosted the Skully Shoppes, an event that promoted local artisans and student businesses. This initiative supported entrepreneurship by allowing alumni to connect with current students through shared interests and local culture.
2. Hesston College
Hesston College featured an art auction and exhibition showcasing art pieces made from local wood collected on campus. This creative twist encouraged alumni and community members to engage with the institution’s commitment to sustainability and artistic expression, making it a meaningful experience for attendees.
3. Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw State University hosted a variety of esports tournaments as part of their homecoming celebrations, tapping into the growing interest in gaming and technology. This event not only attracted current students but also engaged alumni who share a passion for esports, fostering a lively atmosphere that appealed to diverse interests.
Wrapping up
While there are many more exciting homecoming events to come, what we’ve seen so far this year has been very positive. Institutions seem to be easing into the pure net-positive additions such as adding live-streaming options to parades, and diversifying award categories to appreciate different alumni segments. What we love to see is that the unwavering sense of community-building and appreciation continues to be at the heart of all homecoming initiatives, both old and new.
We hope that some of our observations will have given you some insight into the homecoming season so far this year, as well as provided some inspiration for your continued advancement and alumni relations efforts.
While the homecoming season is not over, 2024 has proven that educational institutions have learned much from previous years.
In this blog, we’d like to explore some interesting trends and strategies that we observed and what other institutions can learn from them. Let’s get started:
Author's Note: We chose these examples purely based on what we found interesting and no promotions, rewards, or affiliations were involved in the creation of this blog.
Hybrid events continue to prove that they’re here to stay
Many institutions continue to see the value of hybrid events to connect with a broader alumni base as it provide a mix of in-person and virtual experiences. By allowing alumni to participate regardless of their location, it reinforces the sense of community.
1. University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) and their Spirit Week featured global events, both virtual and physical, allowing alumni from different countries to join the celebrations. Participants engaged in creative challenges throughout the week via social media, using hashtags and even attending events in the Metaverse to feel more connected to their alma mater.
2. Illinois State University
Illinois State University incorporated a hybrid approach with its "Town and Gown Hybrid 5K Run," combining a physical race and virtual participation to encourage broader alumni involvement. Virtual participants could run in their own location, submit their race times online, and even receive race shirts by mail. To foster engagement, participants were encouraged to share their experience on social media using the hashtag “#RedbirdHomecoming”.
It’s exciting to see that adding hybrid options to homecoming events is gaining popularity, with broadcasting key events like parades via live streams becoming a standard practice. This is a welcome development as it allows alumni to experience the vibrancy of campus life even from afar.
Improving feedback collection and providing updates
While post-event surveys are a valuable tool, simply sending out a form may not always entice alumni to participate. To improve engagement and gather richer feedback, institutions can enhance the way they collect and share insights. This year, we have noticed some of these insights being put into action:
1. St. John's College
St. John’s College had not hosted a homecoming event since 2019. As they planned to resume in 2024, they not only invited feedback but also announced the changes early in the year. Seemingly small steps like these can go a long way in fostering alumni trust and confidence.
2. Bowdoin College
Bowdoin College took an introspective approach by including a feedback link within a narrative recap of their Homecoming 2024. Alumni were encouraged to reflect on their experiences while reading a vibrant recap and visual gallery of the events, giving them value and encouragement to provide feedback for their next iteration. You can check it out here.
Celebrating alumni and community members continues to be important
Recognizing outstanding alumni, supporters, and community members during homecoming can strengthen their connection to the institution while inspiring current students and fellow alumni. In addition to the typical alumni hall of fame, we’ve seen awards pop up to recognize younger alumni, active volunteers, and career spotlight awards.
1. Morehead State University (MSU)
Morehead State University (MSU) continued to host its annual Homecoming Awards to celebrate distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions. What we love about their approach is that they celebrate a diverse array of appreciations that cover various segments of their alumni at a banquet in addition to their hall of fame. You can find their list of award recipients here.
2. Alumni and student career-focused events
Another great way to appreciate alumni careers while engaging them is to use homecoming as an opportunity for them to give back. Some of the institutions that have taken this idea forward are:
- University of New Haven’s mock networking event
- Villanova University’s student-alumni leadership panel & networking event
- McGill University’s Career Fair and Alumni Meet and Greet
These are just some examples of taking the homecoming spirit forward as a way to bridge the gap between present and future alumni.
Some unique and meaningful engagement opportunities
Over the past few decades, Homecoming has proven to be one of the best opportunities to engage alumni while having some room to innovate and be creative. This year, several institutions continued to embrace creative events that provided unique experiences for all attendees.
1. Millerverse University
Millerverse University hosted the Skully Shoppes, an event that promoted local artisans and student businesses. This initiative supported entrepreneurship by allowing alumni to connect with current students through shared interests and local culture.
2. Hesston College
Hesston College featured an art auction and exhibition showcasing art pieces made from local wood collected on campus. This creative twist encouraged alumni and community members to engage with the institution’s commitment to sustainability and artistic expression, making it a meaningful experience for attendees.
3. Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw State University hosted a variety of esports tournaments as part of their homecoming celebrations, tapping into the growing interest in gaming and technology. This event not only attracted current students but also engaged alumni who share a passion for esports, fostering a lively atmosphere that appealed to diverse interests.
Wrapping up
While there are many more exciting homecoming events to come, what we’ve seen so far this year has been very positive. Institutions seem to be easing into the pure net-positive additions such as adding live-streaming options to parades, and diversifying award categories to appreciate different alumni segments. What we love to see is that the unwavering sense of community-building and appreciation continues to be at the heart of all homecoming initiatives, both old and new.
We hope that some of our observations will have given you some insight into the homecoming season so far this year, as well as provided some inspiration for your continued advancement and alumni relations efforts.
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
