Credit: Siena University

In 2024, Siena University, Loudonville, New York, U.S., held its first Teddy Bear Checkup Clinic. The event attracted millennial alumni—a demographic the university has struggled to connect with—and their young families to visit campus. Over 250 kids brought their stuffed animals to learn about what happens when they go to the doctor or hospital, with 75 health studies students volunteering to assess the stuffed animals. The college set up ten stations for the stuffed animals to go through, including respiratory, mental health, and dental. The event provided the students with a chance to test their knowledge and communication skills and highlighted the health studies program. 

“Great program for alumni with families. Impressive cross-collaborative effort with university partners.” – COE judges

Credit: Colegio Karl C. Parrish

Starting in 2023, Colegio Karl C. Parrish, a private school in Barranquilla, Colombia, created a series of events to engage alumni worldwide. The series included the Tiger Legacy Three Generations Event, meant to engage alumni alongside their children and grandchildren. Activities included creating a family tree, and there were place mats featuring the school’s mascot and games like a word search and tic-tac-toe. Participants received personalized boxes and invitations with memorabilia and T-shirts. The central message of the event, “Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger,” also reinforced the idea of lifelong connection and a deeper sense of belonging. 

“We liked how they engaged alumni from different generations. The family tree activity at their reunion and the themed place mats were a fun and creative touch.” – COE judges

Credit: Hussain Hijazi

In 2023, the Rice University, Houston, Texas, U.S., alumni relations team created new programming targeted towards alumni and their families by partnering with the Houston Zoo. During summer and winter break, Rice hosted events at the zoo to capture alumni engagement while families could engage with each other. The summer event included a zookeeper presentation and face painting, while the winter break event featured carolers and pictures with Santa. Rice also gave away alumni-branded items so families could leave with something that connected them to the university. Zoo Night Under the Lights continues to be held in the winter. 

“Creative use of community partners, and we enjoyed seeing a series of events like this. There is great impact shown and the series is very well executed.” – COE judges