Given their limited resources and unique challenges, community colleges simply cannot operate alumni relations programs like their four-year counterparts - but those same challenges also create opportunities to innovate and stand out. This pre-conference workshop is designed not just for those "doing" alumni relations, but for advancement leaders, presidents and chancellors who are interested in a paradigm shift when it comes to community college alumni relations. It all starts with facing some hard truths and asking tough questions. We'll start by unpacking the word "alumni" and why it's such a problem. Among the questions and topics we'll workshop:
What are you really trying to accomplish with your program?
What are realistic goals?
Marketing and communications do's and don'ts
Engagement strategies
Prioritizing your (very limited!) time and resources You'll leave with a realistic approach to alumni relations that expands your reach and engagement, as well as ways to get others on your campus on board with a new way of thinking.

Capital campaigns are not always polished success stories; they can involve setbacks, shifting priorities, difficult conversations and moments when progress feels uncertain. This session offers an honest look at both the victories and the behind-the-scenes challenges of fundraising, while providing practical tools for leading a successful campaign that inspires donors and transforms communities. Planning a new campus building through a capital campaign can be exciting, rewarding and incredibly complex. Drawing from real-world experience, the presentation will cover campaign strategy, donor engagement, leadership alignment, community partnerships and lessons learned along the way. Attendees will gain practical insights into what worked well, the challenges that emerged, and how to navigate the unexpected realities of funding and building transformational campus projects.

What if your most valuable board contribution wasn't a donation? A panel discussion hosted Jeff Bagel between the Community College of Aurora Foundation Executive Director and Board Vice-Chair as they share how a strategic staff-board partnership transformed their board into a powerful group of advocates, connectors, and champions for institutional success. Through real-world examples, attendees will learn how to cultivate meaningful board relationships that generate corporate support, expand community visibility, open doors to new partnerships, and strengthen stakeholder engagement. Participants will leave with practical strategies for identifying and leveraging board members' unique strengths, moving beyond the traditional "give/get" model to create deeper engagement and greater organizational impact.

After researching the current higher education landscape, the Lumina Foundation boldly declared, "It's time for community colleges to be the star of the college show." Taking this declaration to heart, this session will explore how one New Jersey community college asserted its voice to drive advancement efforts and reposition itself with current and prospective supporters. Co-led by Raritan Valley Community College president Mike McDonough, and its chief development officer, Mike Marion, the discussion will cover a range of strategies that the College implemented to upgrade its stature and profile, grow its engagement with champions, friends and donors alike, and drive results. This session will also chronicle the resulting impacts, including record fundraising totals and largest scholarship commitments in the College's history. "Mike & Mike" will share examples, ideas, and stories, meant to inspire both self-assessment and your advancement ambitions. Interactive. Fun. Success-focused.

Small advancement teams face constant pressure to do more with limited staff, time, and resources, but trying to do everything leads to burnout and diluted impact. This session offers a practical, no-nonsense approach to strategic planning, specifically designed for small shops. Learn how to create a simple, usable plan that clarifies priorities, guides decision-making, and aligns your team's work with what matters most. Beyond the plan itself, we'll explore how to shift staff from task-driven to strategic thinking through change management techniques you can implement immediately. Walk away with a one-page planning framework, tools to engage your team, and concrete strategies to stop overcommitting and start focusing on high-impact work that advances your mission.