
Program
Monday, March 30, 2026
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CT
Conference Registration
Welcome to Chicago! Stop by the registration desk beginning at noon to check in and pick up your conference materials.
1:00 PM - 1:15 PM CT
Welcome, Faculty Introductions and Conference Overview
Join conference faculty to kick off the program, meet your fellow attendees, and set the stage to make the most of our time together.
Plenary
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM CT
Demonstrating the Value of Engagement
Join faculty leaders as they explore practical, data‑informed methods for demonstrating the value of alumni engagement within institutional advancement. Participants will learn how to articulate the impact of engagement through metrics, storytelling, and alignment with university and advancement priorities. Using real‑world examples, we will examine how to quantify experiential, volunteer, communication, and philanthropic behaviors in ways that resonate with leadership and key stakeholders.
Speakers: James Allan, Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations and Executive Director, Johns Hopkins Alumni Association, Cindy Fredrick, Senior Associate Vice President for Engagement and Annual Giving, University of Virginia, Colin Hennessy, Vice President for Alumni and Donor Engagement, The University of Iowa Center for Advancement, Erika Jordan, Associate Senior Vice President of Alumni Relations, University of Southern California
Plenary
2:45 PM - 3:05 PM CT
The Advancement Ecosystem and Constituent Engagement
They say it takes a village - and that’s definitely true when it comes to alumni and constituent engagement! This session will focus on the importance of collaboration across the various teams in the advancement ecosystem and highlight opportunities for building productive partnerships.
Speakers: James Allan, Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations and Executive Director, Johns Hopkins Alumni Association
Plenary
3:05 PM - 4:15 PM CT
Advancement Primer Micro-sessions on Advancement Services, Annual Giving and Campaigns
Engage in a series of short, accessible primers on core Advancement functions, from annual giving and advancement services, to campaigns, and learn why a foundational understanding of these areas is essential for alumni engagement leaders seeking to drive holistic institutional success. Through practical examples, we will highlight opportunities for collaboration that strengthen pipelines, deepen relationships, and create shared value across teams. Attendees will leave better equipped to operate as strategic partners and integrators within the broader Advancement ecosystem.
Speakers: Cindy Fredrick, Senior Associate Vice President for Engagement and Annual Giving, University of Virginia, Colin Hennessy, Vice President for Alumni and Donor Engagement, The University of Iowa Center for Advancement, Erika Jordan, Associate Senior Vice President of Alumni Relations, University of Southern California
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