Public University Network

Situation

    • This institution wanted to facilitate stronger relationships between the alumni and the University. They aspired to understand the trusted networks among their alumni in an effort to prioritize resource allocation based on the level of peer-to-peer influence. Their goal focused on nurturing the relationships of Alumni Leaders to improve fundraising campaigns and overall alumni involvement.

Solution

    • Using a sophisticated program of direct communication, technology and mathematics, Community Analytics® reached out to a select community of University alumni from a particular set of class years. The group was interviewed to determine whom they continue to remain in contact with from the University. Names, locations, and class years were matched against the University database to obtain an accurate means of tracking each member’s network of trusted relationships. With this information, Community Analytics identified, evaluated, and profiled the Alumni Leaders within the population. In addition to determining the relationship dynamics, networks were overlaid with alumni satisfaction scores to give further community insight.

Community Dynamics

    • Of the hundreds of University alumni who participated in the network research, 217 were identified by their peers as Alumni Leaders. 110 members provided a significant number of connections between their fellow alumni, placing them in a critical network position.

Results

    • 44% of network members were interested in becoming more involved with the University, many of whom were also identified as Alumni Leaders.
    • Alumni Leaders typically reached between 20 and 70 fellow alumni within three degrees of interaction.
    • Alumni with high donor rankings are influenced more often by alumni with low or no donor ranking.
    • Long lasting friendships are formed in a variety of ways, including classes, athletics, and dorm life.

Success

    • Alumni are able to support their alma mater in the ways that mean the most to them
    • Alumni are able to reconnect with friends who meant a lot to them; but with whom they had lost touch over the years.
    • Alumni feel a much stronger connection to their alma mater because the University has the knowledge necessary to provide the resources and events that mean the most to their alumni.
    • Alumni feel a stronger connection to their alma mater because the University now understands that it is the people who build the connection to the Institution and not the other way around.

Client Testimonial

    • “As a result of the study, Community Analytics was able to uncover previously unknown key network members including Alumni and Staff, enabling us to successfully augment our Board of Trustee program with four enthusiastic and well connected alumni who will propel the institution to the next level of growth…In the midst of all of the social networking hype, it is difficult to know which solution will work. We are enthusiastic about Community Analytics’ approach because it uncovers the true nature of the relationships among our alumni and extended community.”  ~ Assistant Director of Alumni Development