"One of the attributes that makes UNCW like no other is our distinct family feel. Both current and former students cite that they feel supported by our faculty and staff from day one. One of the goals of the division for university advancement is to ensure that students also recognize the important role alumni play in their collegiate success through their service as mentors, advocates, volunteers, and donors.
Our first day of class texting campaign created an opportunity for us to not only articulate that to new students, but also demonstrate it through action. Alumni volunteers sent text messages to first-year students on the first day of classes to wish them well as they begin their Seahawk journey. This initiative also created a way to engage alumni volunteers all across the state who were desperately craving interaction and service during the pandemic. Like many institutions, we had been relying too heavily on in-person events, and this digital campaign gave us a new way to approach volunteer engagement."
From the Judges
Love, love, love this program and its innovative strategy to connect new students with alumni, especially during a global pandemic! The outcomes achieved, both in terms of quantitative numbers and qualitative results, are outstanding! This program could be replicated at any institution. #welldone
