What's Happening With College Alumni Engagement

Observers note that how college graduates engage—or don't engage—with their alma mater can indicate a school's overall health and value. Alumni engagement comes in many forms and benefits institutions and current students in various ways, from informal mentoring to multimillion-dollar donations.

In February 2024, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), a nonprofit association of education institutions, reported that financial contributions to U.S. colleges and universities reached $58 billion in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. While this figure represents a 2.5% decline from the previous year's record high, voluntary philanthropic support has generally been on the rise in recent years. This trend persists despite numerous opinion polls suggesting that much of the American public is losing trust in the value of a college education.

According to Sue Cunningham, president and CEO of CASE, the recent levels of financial giving "should be a source of celebration and pride." In the survey report, she stated, "The fact tat so many individuals and organizations support colleges and universities indicates nationwide recognition of the immense value these institutions provide through transforming lives and society. Although recent headlines often cast a negative light on higher education, the trust demonstrated by this level of philanthropy tells a different story. Kudos to those who choose to give and to the professionals working within institutions to educate future generations and conduct research that saves and improves lives."

Cara Giacomini, vice president of data, research, and technology at CASE, discusses the importance of alumni engagement in the U.S., its link to institutional advancement, and why maintaining connections between graduates and their alma maters is crucial. Her insights highlight that the relationships alumni maintain with their former schools play a significant role in the institutions' continued success and impact. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

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