Alum-Less

Episode 11 - Alumni board management with Teresa Trombetta

In this edition of Alum-Less, Chris and Ryan explore strategies for working with alumni volunteers with Teresa Trombetta, Assistant Vice President for Alumni and Constituent Engagement at Carnegie Mellon University. Specifically, we discuss the challenges of working with alumni boards within an integrated advancement model. 
On the show, we explore how CMU is thinking about building its regional network program post-COVID, and Teresa shares more about her focus on building a volunteer pipeline. Thanks for listening to the Alum-Less podcast. Be sure to check out our live broadcast on LinkedIn every-other-Friday at 11:30 a.m. EDT. 

Episode 10 - Campaign Readiness with Bonnie Devlin and Karin George

On this episode of Alum-Less, Chris and Ryan discuss campaign readiness with Bonnie Devlin and Karin George, co-owners and Managing Principals of Washburn & McGoldrick LLC, and how engagement should be factored into the plans and goals. During the show, the group explores explores what it means to be prepared for a fundraising campaign at an educational institution, and what are the dynamics that can lead to friction in making arrangements and building a coalition of supporters. 

Episode 9 - Modernizing alumni traditions with Nancy Merritt

This week on Alum-Less, Chris and Ryan interview Nancy Merritt, Vice Chancellor for Alumni Relations at the University of Pittsburgh. Nancy shares insights into her work modernizing some of the components of on-campus traditions at Pitt and the thought process that went into reshaping these signature programs. 
On the episode, Nancy and Chris reminisce about their time working together at the Lehigh University, and how Chris recruited Nancy first for the swim team (when Chris was the head coach), then as a graduate assistant in the alumni office. 

Episode 8 - Alumni Engagement Metrics with Jennifer Cunningham

This week our featured guest on Alum-Less is Jennifer Cunningham, AVP of Alumni Relations at Lehigh University — Chris's alma mater! We discuss alumni engagement metrics, Maria Gallo's book The Alumni Way, and how to go about guiding alumni volunteers so they have impactful and positive experiences on our boards. 

Episode 7 - Donor Experience Design with Matthew Ewing

Alum-Less is back this week after a break for the 4th of July holiday and some vacation!
This week Chris and Ryan talk donor experience design and the changing nature of constituent engagement teams within advancement with special guest, Matthew Ewing, Vice President for University Advancement at Boise State University.Ryan and Chris also discuss the big takeaways from the CASE Summit for Leaders in Advancement conference in Chicago.

Episode 6 - Reflections from a $2.1 campaign with Brian Sischo

On Episode 6, Chris and Ryan connect with Brian Sischo, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement at NC State University. Brian shares his thoughts on the successful completion of The Think and Do the Extraordinary Campaign now that it's in the rear view mirror. Brian also shares why their focus at NC State has turned to engaging alumni and donors. 
Thanks for listening to the Alum-Less podcast. Please consider leaving a review of the podcast for us so more advancement professionals can find it. 

Episode 5 - Merging alumni associations and foundations with John Valva

Perhaps the most significant university advancement trend in the United States is the merging of alumni associations and foundations in order to maximize effectiveness in engaging alumni and donors. On this week's episode, Ryan and Chris discuss this important trend that will likely reshape the way in which alumni and donor engagement teams work together. This week's episode contains a 30-minute bonus segment with special guest, John Valva, Vice President and Executive Director of the Oregon State University Alumni Association. 

Episode 4 - Building affinity networks with Patricia Châu Nguyễn

On this episode of Alum-Less, Chris and Ryan explore what it's like to lead a state-wide alumni engagement program with Patricia Châu Nguyễn. Patricia is the Director, Statewide Alumni Engagement for the University of California Office of the President. Our conversation expands to include how Patricia is working to build robust affinity-based networks and work with campus partners throughout the UC System. 
This episode is the first containing the new 30-minutes bonus segment with our special guest. The LinkedIn Live broadcast aired originally on Friday, May 27, 2022. 
 

Episode 3 - Communities of color and difference with Matthew Winston, Binghamton University

On this edition of Alum-Less, Chris and Ryan discuss building stronger communities of color and difference and executing DEI initiatives with Matt Winston, the new Executive Director, Alumni Engagement at Binghamton University. We discuss Matt's new role and the challenges of getting started at a new college or university.
Plus, Chris has been on the road a lot recently and we discuss many of the different subsets of challenges facing alumni and donor engagement pros. 
 
This episode does not contain the bonus segment of Alum-Less, and was originally aired on 5/13/22. 

Episode 2 - Strategic planning with John Pine, UC Santa Cruz

In the second episode of Alum-Less, Chris and Ryan explore strategic planning for alumni engagement and the challenges of talent recruitment and retention with special guest, John Pine, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Alumni Engagement at UC Santa Cruz. 
This episode of Alum-Less aired on LinkedIn Live on 5/29/22 and does not contain the bonus segment.