Drive engagement with your alumni

From Apple’s iPod revival to Ford’s tribute to the classic Mustang, leading brands are using nostalgia to spark emotional connections and drive engagement. By celebrating their history through storytelling, they engage audiences across generations.

Schools and universities can do the same, tapping into their heritage to deepen alumni relationships, boost fundraising, and create a stronger sense of community. This article explores standout brand campaigns and the lessons they offer for the education sector.

Alumni event attendance is declining, with institutions reporting a 40% drop in in-person participation over the past five years (CASE Alumni Relations Report, 2023). Rising travel costs, busy schedules, and geographical distance all play a role, but the challenge goes deeper…alumni engagement preferences have evolved.

How can institutions adapt? Read the full article to explore the shifting landscape of alumni engagement and the strategies shaping its future.

A school anniversary isn’t just about marking a milestone, it’s an opportunity to bring your community together through shared memories. Beyond speeches and reunions, the most powerful way to celebrate is by capturing the voices of your students and alumni.

Their stories of first days, unforgettable teachers, and life-changing moments, turn history into something deeply personal and lasting.

With tools like SocialArchive, you can easily collect, organise, and showcase these memories, ensuring your anniversary becomes a legacy for future generations.

When an alumnus shares a memory - whether it’s about a favourite teacher, a school assembly, or a life-changing moment, you’re hearing a piece of your institution’s living history. But what happens to that memory after it’s shared?

Capturing alumni recollections through oral and video histories transforms these fleeting moments into enduring records. Unlike static records, oral and video histories bring emotions, expressions, and personality to life creating a unique way for your community to engage with the past.

In this article, we discuss the transformative power of collecting these histories, the role they play in strengthening alumni bonds, and how platforms like SocialArchive make it easier than ever to collect and share these invaluable narratives.

We’re excited to introduce Interactive Virtual Spaces, the latest innovation from SocialArchive! These immersive, digital experiences allow your alumni to explore iconic school spaces, revisit memories, and interact with your digital archives, no matter where they are in the world.

From preserving soon-to-be-renovated areas to showcasing your physical archives, Virtual Spaces offer a powerful way to bring your school’s legacy to life.

By leveraging the emotional power of heritage, schools and universities can transform their archives into strategic fundraising assets.

In this article, we explore how storytelling, interactive archives, and thoughtful donor recognition can use your school’s heritage to foster alumni engagement and encourage donations. Whether it’s celebrating past achievements or showcasing the impact of philanthropy, your archives hold the key to building a legacy of giving.

As the new academic year begins, it's crucial to lay the foundation for a successful year of alumni engagement. This article is a must-read for anyone looking to reconnect with alumni, especially recent graduates, and lay the groundwork for meaningful interactions.

From setting clear objectives to leveraging technology and planning impactful events, this guide offers practical strategies to enhance your engagement efforts throughout the year.