Alumni Relations

I am thrilled to announce the release of the second edition of Connect | Engage | Thrive. Much has shifted since the first edition, and with this update, the book expands on key themes and adds focus on two themes that feel especially urgent in today’s cultural and technological landscape: the power of alumni as mentors and ambassadors, and the transformative role of AI in advancing alumni relations.

Alumni as Mentors and Ambassadors

With trust in institutions being challenged and cultural debates reshaping perceptions, alumni voices have never been more important. They are not only proud graduates but also credible, lived examples of what the institution stands for. Alumni can serve as:

Mentors who guide current students through uncertainty with wisdom, encouragement, and perspective.

Ambassadors who carry the message of the institution into workplaces, communities, and public conversations—showing the world the values and strengths their alma mater instills.

Calling on alumni in these ways goes beyond benefiting the institution; it creates a deeper sense of purpose and pride for alumni themselves. Engaged alumni can bridge generations, strengthen reputation, and model resilience for students facing a fast-changing future.

AI as a Catalyst for Alumni Relations

At the same time, technology is opening new frontiers. Artificial intelligence is not just a trend—it’s a tool with extraordinary potential for strengthening alumni bonds. AI can:

• Personalize outreach by tailoring messages, events, and opportunities to alumni interests and life stages.
• Uncover insights from vast alumni data to help institutions better understand engagement patterns and needs.
• Scale connections by making mentoring matches faster, event planning more strategic, and alumni stories more accessible.

Rather than replacing human connection, AI can amplify it—allowing staff to spend more time building authentic relationships and less time on repetitive tasks.

Looking Ahead

The second edition reflects our belief that the future of alumni engagement rests on timeless human connection, strengthened by new tools. Alumni, empowered as mentors and ambassadors, can serve as trusted voices in today’s climate. And AI, used thoughtfully, can help institutions nurture those relationships with greater care, efficiency, and imagination.

We invite you to explore this new edition, share it with colleagues, and most importantly, reflect on how you can harness the wisdom of alumni and the power of AI to build a stronger, more connected community. It is available on Amazon as an  (more…)