In June of 2016 Amherst launched a photo campaign to steward loyal year-end donors and foster a sense of community and connection to today's campus. As part of the campaign, alumni were invited to reflect on their favorite place on the Amherst College campus and note that place in the comments section of the online giving form. In return, student photographers took a photo of the favorite place as it looks today and sent it along with a personalized thank you note. This simple concept inspired 2,682 people to make a gift to Amherst, 775 of which requested a photo of campus and received personal outreach from student interns. Throughout the campaign, alumni shared powerful stories of their time on campus; the first year quad where they met their future spouse, their dorm room where they shared late nights with friends, or a classroom where a professor inspired them.
From the Judges' Report
Simple, replicable-neat. Excellent alumni engagement, evolved into broader effort---combining engagement, enticement and stewardship.
