By Susan Shelly
University officials reached out to alumni in April 2021 to learn more about how graduates regard their Alvernia experiences and their alma mater overall. The results, according to Dan Hartzman, director of external engagement, were affirming.
“Overwhelmingly, we found out people were very happy with their experience at Alvernia,” Hartzman said. “The responses tell us most of our graduates credit the university with advancing them spiritually, educationally and personally.”
Many respondents highlighted positive relationships they’d experienced with faculty members and coaches, and nearly 80 percent reported remaining in touch with former classmates. While alumni event participation is not currently as robust as it could be, 74 percent of respondents stated they’d consider attending a regional alumni event, preferably on Alvernia’s Reading campus. Activities they’d like to see added to Homecoming Weekend include sporting events; arts, theatre and concert events; and tailgates and pep rallies.
Information obtained through the survey will help staff craft a five-year plan to increase alumni engagement, explained Thomas Minick, vice president for institutional advancement.
“It’s critical for us to find ways to engage alumni in our student experience,” Minick said. “Everything we do at Alvernia should be about enhancing that experience.”
While financial contributions from alumni are important and valued, hands-on methods of engagement also are vital. They include providing student internships and having alumni connect by speaking in classes, attending college fairs and visiting high schools to spread the word about Alvernia.
“Philanthropic support from alumni is critical to keeping Alvernia affordable for students and enhancing the student experience,” Minick said. “But we also need our alumni base to give back with their time.”
The survey indicated alumni are willing to participate in those types of activities, Hartzman said. Respondents cited interest in visiting classrooms to discuss career possibilities with first-year students, serving as mentors and inviting students to shadow them in their jobs.
“Our alums are looking to pay it forward,” Hartzman said.
The survey, which garnered about 770 responses, was designed to meet five objectives. It sought to determine the current level of alumni engagement, preferred methods and frequency of communication from Alvernia, how graduates regard the education they received, how they view themselves in relationship to the university, and how information the survey generated can be used to fuel the development of marketing and communications strategies.
“This information will serve as our guidebook as we work through our five-year plan for alumni engagement,” Hartzman said.
The alumni survey was designed and conducted by Tweed-Weber-Danks, a Reading-based research and strategic planning firm. An executive data summary released by the firm indicated that 498 respondents stated they are very proud to be graduates of Alvernia, and that the survey revealed a high net promoter score, which is the gold standard metric for customer satisfaction and loyalty and is obtained by asking one simple question, “How likely is it that you would recommend Alvernia to a friend or colleague?”
“Respondents gave Alvernia a Net Promoter Score of +48, which is an excellent result reflecting a very high level of overall satisfaction,” the data summary stated.
“The high net promoter score is a direct result of the power of our community,” said Minick. “We look forward to continuing to increase this as we expand the university and the offerings to our students, faculty members, alumni and greater community.”
