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Summer Institute in Alumni Relations 2026
Summer Institute in Alumni Relations 2026
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37 Results Found
1:00 PM - 2:15 PM CT
All Institute Plenary – Leading From Your Seat
In today's ever-evolving workplace, it is crucial to develop effective strategies for managing up to your supervisors and navigating your organization's structure. We will explore the art of managing from your seat, providing you with insights and practical techniques to cultivate strong relationships with supervisors and peers while influencing the decision-making process. We will explore how to effectively communicate your ideas, and results to supervisors, ensuring your contributions are acknowledged and appreciated. Additionally, we will delve into techniques for growing your reputation and credibility and positioning you for success in today’s rapidly changing work environment.
Speakers: J T. Forbes, President & Chief Executive Officer, Indiana University Foundation
2:45 PM - 4:00 PM CT
SIAR Opening Session and Faculty Introductions
Get the awesomeness started! Join conference chairs to meet your amazing faculty, learn how to get the most out of your time at the conference and get a big picture overview of the field of advancement.
Speakers: Josh Harraman, Director, Constituent Experiences, The Ohio State University, Reggie Bustinza, Executive Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement, Northern Illinois University, Alex Eshelbrenner, Senior Director of Alumni Engagement, St. Mark's School of Texas, Erika Jordan, Associate Senior Vice President of Alumni Relations, University of Southern California, Danielle Reddy, Assistant Vice President, Leadership Volunteer Engagement, Boston University, Sarah Schutt, Chief Alumni Officer, Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association and Executive Director of the Wisconsin Alumni Association, University of Wisconsin-Madison
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM CT
SIAR Advisory Group Meetings
Attendees will meet daily with curated advisory small groups led by expert faculty members to debrief from the day’s learning and problem solve in real time.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM CT
All Institutes Plenary – Educational Landscape
Speakers: Brian Flahaven, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, Council for Advancement and Support of Education
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM CT
Face to Face: The Art of Listening and Asking Strategic Questions
Strategic and generative conversations are at the heart of our work. Questioning and listening are powerful life skills. First, they will help you create productive donor relationships. What organizations do you support with your philanthropy? Where are we on your list of philanthropies? How do you make your philanthropic decisions? What has been your most meaningful gift? Quality questions elicit amazing information that will guide you in the solicitation process and help you build relationships on campus with your supervisor, peers and faculty members. Learn how to develop questions instead of talking points that will inform your gift strategy, advance relationships, and result in a joyful, generous "Yes" to your request for increased engagement with your institution, a significant gift to one of your priorities or for whatever you were hoping that volunteer or colleague would do to help you achieve your goals.
Speakers: Edgar Gonzalez, Vice President for University Development, Seattle University
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM CT
Navigating the Advancement Workplace
Speakers: Sarah Schutt, Chief Alumni Officer, Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association and Executive Director of the Wisconsin Alumni Association, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Alex Eshelbrenner, Senior Director of Alumni Engagement, St. Mark's School of Texas
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM CT
Maximizing Impact: The ROI of Alumni and Donor Events
Elevate your institution's alumni engagement and achieve meaningful returns by joining our session on "Maximizing Alumni Event ROI Through Effective Operational Support." Discover the critical role of operational excellence in driving successful alumni events and learn how advancement services can provide the streamlined support necessary to exceed expectations. We will explore best practices in planning, execution, and post-event analysis, offering practical strategies to maximize event ROI and enhance future success. Gain valuable insights and actionable tools to transform your alumni events into impactful, ROI-driven successes. Don't miss this opportunity to refine your approach to alumni engagement and operational excellence!
Speakers: Danielle Reddy, Assistant Vice President, Leadership Volunteer Engagement, Boston University
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM CT
Philanthropy Trends in 2026: Insights and Strategies for the Future
Join CASE Senior Data Strategist, Emma Sonduck as she explores trends from CASE's philanthropy surveys and breaks down some of the driving factors and ways you can respond.
Speakers: Emma Sonduck, Senior Data Strategist, CASE
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM CT
How to Write Emails People Will Read
Do people read emails anymore? Yes—they do. But not the way you think. This talk will show you exactly how to write subject lines, optimize your links, and lay out your email copy so your message gets across. In this session, you’ll learn: How to write good subject lines that increase open rates. Typical email reading patterns and how to use them to your advantage. How to appropriately use formatting and white space. Recommendations on sentence structure and reading level. How to use links and buttons to guarantee click-through. A quick way to test if your email will get read. This session is useful for everyone, whether you send mass emails or just internal ones.
Speakers: Dayana Kibilds, AVP, Marketing & Community, SimpsonScarborough, Ashley Budd, Senior Director of Advancement Marketing, Cornell University
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM CT
Staying Safe in a Political Environment
It’s been a highly political year, and we all have opinions. What should you share personally, and what should you encourage your campus to share internally and externally? Understanding the interconnected nature of higher education and politics and thinking through your institution’s mission and personal values will empower you to be more effective in your role. This session will provide data and national trends to frame how to help your leaders look around corners and return to strategically communicating with internal and external audiences. Teresa will share how to stay true to yourself while staying safe, and what works for institutions in a polarized environment to shape a narrative.
Speakers: Teresa Valerio Parrot, Principal, TVP Communications