From the Nominator

In 2023, the University of Miami’s Alumni Association (UMAA), in conjunction with athletics/student affairs, capitalized on a historic moment to mobilize the national ’Canes network during the men’s basketball team’s run to the Final Four in the NCAA tournament, a first in program history. From Zoom meetings with alumni volunteers to daily email updates and game-watch parties planned within days, the university galvanized the alumni base in support of our student athletes, driving unprecedented engagement of more than 12,000 supporters nationally and raising more than $81,000 throughout 47 states in a matter of weeks. Even though UM didn’t win the basketball game, our engagement results yielded the following: Ultimate Home Game Watch Party, which brought 3,500+ supporters to the basketball arena as though it were a home game, raising more than $26,000 to support local students with need; and ’Canes Pep-Rally, a celebration hosted by the Houston ’Canes Community, attracting more than 380 people, and featuring alumnus and former Houston Texan all-pro wide receiver Andre Johnson. In addition, we hosted a Final Four Pregame Celebration for the more than 5,000 ’Canes who traveled to Texas to cheer for our student athletes courtside, and the university hosted a specialty pregame for alumni and donors at the stadium. There were also ’Canes Communities game watch parties hosted by our regional alumni clubs from Los Angeles to New York--32 watch parties in 25 cities attracted 3,700+ ’Canes. Finally, we held the Take the Final Four Challenge: $5+ challenge gifts in support of student athletes, resulting in more than $55,000 from 1,652 donors in 47 states.

From the Judges

The University of Miami deserves commendation for significantly expanding their impact in a short timeframe, effectively connecting with alumni across the United States to rally for their team. The highlight was their successful mobilization of different departments and strategic partnership with the athletics department.