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Not Another “New Year, New Goals” Blog!

Writer's picture: Sarah PlowrightSarah Plowright

Updated: Jan 23

Yes, the new year brings the perfect opportunity, and often the motivation, to get organized and plan for the months ahead. But this isn’t just another blog about resolutions. Instead, we’re here to show you how LiveAlumni can help you make the most of your data to meet your goals and execute your plans for 2025.


At LiveAlumni, we know that schools use our data successfully to keep their databases up to date. If importing is part of your 2025 strategy, we want you to know that our team, your account manager, and our support specialists are here to guide you every step of the way. Beyond data updates, we’re also here to help you map out your year strategically. Below, we’ve provided impactful examples for two significant months – Black History Month and International Women’s Month – as well as actionable strategies for a successful Spring Day of Giving.

 

Spotlighting Black Alumni: Ideas for Black History Month and Beyond

New university alumni celebrating there futures

If you already have a plan for spotlighting and engaging your alumni during Black History Month, that’s fantastic! For those still seeking inspiration, here are impactful ways to honor and celebrate your Black alumni, not just during Black History Month but year-round.


1. Alumni Spotlights in Story Features

Highlight the stories of Black alumni who have achieved remarkable milestones or made significant contributions to their industries or communities. Use newsletters, social media, or your website to amplify their stories. Personal narratives have a powerful way of inspiring current students and other alumni while building a sense of pride and belonging.


How to Use LiveAlumni:


  • Search within LiveAlumni’s database for alumni who are members of organizations or associations like the “Black Leadership Network” or “Black Lawyer Associations.”

  • Identify individuals with noteworthy career achievements, senior titles, or volunteering experiences to feature.


2. Host Webinars and Panel Discussions


Bring Black alumni together to share their expertise and experiences through webinars or panel discussions. Topics could include leadership, overcoming challenges, and advocating for change. These events spotlight alumni while creating mentorship opportunities for students.


How to Use LiveAlumni:

  • Use the organization membership and professional affiliations in LiveAlumni to find alumni involved in advocacy or thought leadership roles.

  • Segment alumni by industry or topic expertise to tailor panel discussions.



3. Launch a Scholarship in Their Honor


Introduce a scholarship program named after a trailblazing Black alumnus from your institution. Use their story to anchor the fundraising campaign and make it a cause alumni and donors can rally around. Scholarships create a lasting legacy while supporting future generations.


How to Use LiveAlumni:

  • Search for Black alumni with prominent achievements in specific industries or community service.

  • Build a campaign around their contributions and collaborate with your fundraising team to maximize impact.

 

Celebrating Women Alumni: International Women’s Month


March is the perfect time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of your female alumni. Here are some impactful ways to engage them and promote women’s leadership throughout the year


International Women's Day

1. Women’s Leadership Summit


Host a high-profile event that brings together female alumni, faculty, and industry leaders for keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. Topics could include breaking barriers in male-dominated fields, leadership strategies, and personal stories of overcoming challenges.


How to Use LiveAlumni:


  • Use reports to identify female alumni with senior titles, board memberships, or achievements in male-dominated industries.

  • Reach out to these alumni to serve as keynote speakers or panelists.


2. Women’s History Walks or Campus Exhibits


Create a guided tour or exhibit showcasing the achievements of trailblazing female alumni and faculty. Include stories, artifacts, and photos highlighting their contributions to your institution and society.


How to Use LiveAlumni:


  • Search for alumni who are authors, founders, investors, or business owners.

  • Use volunteering and award data to identify impactful stories to include in your exhibit.


3. Mentorship Programs for Students and Alumni


Launch a mentorship initiative that pairs female students or early-career alumni with successful women leaders. Focus on industries where women are underrepresented, providing guidance, professional development, and networking opportunities.


How to Use LiveAlumni:


  • Use LiveAlumni to identify potential mentors by industry, seniority, or career achievements.

  • Segment alumni lists to match mentors and mentees based on shared fields of interest.

 

How to Use LiveAlumni Data to Prepare for a Spring Day of Giving


A Spring Day of Giving is an incredible opportunity to rally your community, inspire generosity, and create lasting connections with alumni, students, and donors. With LiveAlumni, you have a treasure trove of data and support to ensure your event’s success. Beyond just providing detailed reports, LiveAlumni also gives you access to account managers who bring years of expertise and best practices, gathered from working with over 1,000 institutions.


We’ve even created comprehensive guides to help you plan a Day of Giving from scratch. Now let’s dive into how you can leverage LiveAlumni data to make your event impactful and effective:


1. Identify Key Alumni for Matching Gifts


Use your LiveAlumni data to identify senior titles or high-capacity individuals who may not yet be in your pipeline. Reach out to these alumni with a personalized appeal for a small matching gift, tailored to their capacity—whether it’s $100, $500, or $1,000. Matching gifts creates gamification, incentivizing other donors to give by showing that their contributions will go further. For example:

"If we reach $10,000 today, would you be willing to match a $500 gift?"

This strategy not only engages alumni in a meaningful way but also unlocks additional contributions as you hit key milestones.


2. Share Alumni Success Stories


One of the most compelling reasons people give is because they see the tangible impact of their contributions. Use LiveAlumni data to find alumni whose stories resonate. Highlight not just the big successes but also recent graduates who can share how their education helped them land their first job.


  • Interview scholarship recipients to showcase how donations transformed their lives.

  • Feature previous donors to share their motivation for giving and the impact they’ve witnessed.


These conversations not only re-engage them but often inspire repeat giving as they’re reminded of their passion for your institution.


3. Spotlight Student Stories


Create a connection between giving and the current student experience. Showcase how donations directly impact students:


  • Interview students who benefited from programs or scholarships funded by alumni donations.

  • Engage companies to donate raffle prizes—such as iPads, trips, or gift cards—to gamify student giving. For example, every student who donates is entered into a raffle.


This approach makes giving fun and interactive while fostering a spirit of generosity among the next generation.


4. Engage Faculty and Staff


Your faculty and staff are key players in a successful Day of Giving. Encourage them to participate, share stories, and even contribute their own gifts. Their involvement adds credibility and shows unity within your institution.


5. Use LiveAlumni Reports to Target and Strategize


The data you pull from LiveAlumni can help you:


  • Segment alumni by graduation year, location, or industry to tailor outreach.

  • Identify untapped donor pools and potential advocates.

  • Analyze giving trends to focus your efforts on the most promising areas.


Our account managers are here to help you not only pull these reports but also strategize based on what has worked for similar institutions. From identifying matching gift opportunities to crafting compelling campaigns, we’re ready to support you every step of the way.


Whether you’re honoring Black History Month, celebrating International Women’s Month, or preparing for a Spring Day of Giving, LiveAlumni equips you with the tools and insights to turn your ideas into impactful initiatives. Ready to get started? Reach out to your LiveAlumni account manager today, and let’s make 2025 a year to remember!


 

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