Marquette University Alumni Reunion Weekend
Taking Chances to Build on Success
Our Core Reunion Program
Centralized, held annually on campus the last weekend of July (Fri – Sun)
Five-year increments invited (20% each year)
Exceptions: Law School, School of Dentistry, Golden Jubilee
Reunions 2002 – “Solid and Popular”
729 pre-registered guests, representing 6% of the 11,678 invited 255 walk-ins 37 “events”
Reunions 2006 – “Through the Roof”
1,550 pre-registered guests, representing
12% of the 12,838 invited
321 walk-ins
39 “events”
What Happened? How’d we get there?
We started taking chances.
We said “what if..?” and “Let’s see…”
And we added… and deleted.
Affinity Reunions
• Student Government (new this year)• Ethnic Alumni Association• Navy ROTC• Sigma Phi Delta• M Club
NROTC Commissioning
1956
NROTC Reunion
2005
Let the reunion work its magic...
Class-year Parties
• 20th anniversary of Class of 1985 – Started by identifying major gift prospects – 5-6 influential leaders
– Created $1 million challenge; committee members solicited classmates
– Lake house party – recreating college days with lobster boil on the beach
– Transportation from campus/babysitting
– Underwriting secured
• In 2006 did Classes of ’66, 76, 81, 86• In 2007 all Classes (’62-02)
Class of 1985 Lobster Boil
April, 1985
Class of 1985 Lakefront Lobster Boil Reunion
July, 2005
Class of 1985 Giving Committee and Father Wild with a big check for $1million!
A picture speaks a million words… Reunion Giving works!
Major/College-related reunions
• Journalism 1960-1962• Engineering 1955• Engineering 1962• Physical Therapy (anniversary)• Dental Hygiene 50-year• College of Professional Studies (anniversary)
Reunions outside of Reunion Weekend
• Football (“Undefeated since 1960”)• Chorus• Evans Scholars
We embrace these reunion
opportunities if:
• All from the group are invited• There is a Champion• They are self-sustaining events
How do we support the new efforts?
• Help identify volunteer leaders• Provide labels• Review / coordinate invitation• Provide staffing / nametags at event• FRs and other administrators attend• Provide room on campus as needed
Reunions now Serve a Greater Purpose: Getting More Mileage out of Reunions
Better informed planning (Themes, priorities, development/AR collaboration, etc.)
Giving is organized through Reunion Committees
(Buildup of Annual Giving staff)
Cultivation acceleration – volunteer opportunities
(Self-identified alumni)
Focused messaging – room for development message
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