Many small-shop alumni directors with no-frills budgets have found volunteer alumni help worth the organizing efforts. Some creative ways that colleges and universities have found to inspire new interest among the uninvolved are described. (MLW)

Using a hypothetical case study told in the first person, a fiftieth reunion chair illustrates sure-fire ways to lure reluctant alumni back to the campus. The techniques emphasize the personal and sentimental touch in mailings, other communications, and at the reunion itself. (MSE)

Tips for publications managers are provided. Suggestions that are time, money, schedule, and labor savers include: force clients to clarify what they want, check the budget first, keep written records, use student labor, etc. (MLW)

Ideas for homecoming themes, events, and staffing are provided from a nationwide survey of alumni directors including: theme spirit; choose a team and plan a strategy; think homecoming, but not necessarily football; schedule time out for fun, games, and food; and involve the community. (MLW)

The decision to open a University College at Creighton University is discussed. A Task Force on Nontraditional Students was set up to review the possibility of establishing a continuing education program. A list of 18 issues and questions for discussion is provided. (MLW)

The experiences of three institutions (Oberlin College, Ohio; University of Nebraska; and St. Christopher's School, Virginia) illustrate how effective a carefully developed marketing scheme for planned giving can be. Staffing, budgets, average funds raised, and average deferred gifts are reported for each. (MSE)

Traditional recruitment techniques aren't attracting many minority students. Institutions trying to attract minorities are concentrating primarily on blacks. Recruitment strategies should vary according to minority group. (MLW)

Coherent communications enhance both outsiders' perceptions of institutions and the quality of the college experience for students. A communications master plan--a compelling total vision of how communications should be structured--should be developed by the public relations office after taking inventory of all communications produced on campus.…

The case statement ranks as the most important piece of literature in a fund-raising campaign. It describes the purpose, program, and financial needs of the institution. Ways to approach writing case statements are provided. (MLW)

The goals of a visitation program at a college or university should be to place prospects and their parents in contact with a variety of faculty and students. Faculty members, talking about their programs, and undergraduates, sharing their own experiences, are the institution's best recruiters. (MLW)

Capital campaign strategies that helped rally support for seven community colleges are described. An attractive college profile, enthusiastic volunteers, effective training, community contacts, and high internal morale helped create good donor support. (MLW)

In developing programs for nontraditional alumni, aim for a series of targeted programs that play on the human need to belong, to be recognized, and to look good by association with success. The University of Missouri at Saint Louis' lunchtime meetings for business professionals is one such successful program. (MLW)

Some colleges and universities have found that alumni prefer to have ownership of their alumni association, and such a membership program can raise revenues for the institution while providing a valuable communication tool. A strong dues program can work well with an annual giving campaign. A variety of membership structures is possible. Details…

Emory University (Georgia) has advanced its fundraising by leveraging a $2 million challenge from the Coca-Cola Foundation. The school publicized the challenge, made the case for an added incentive to give, and integrated advancement functions to get greater results. Challenge grants can come from industry, foundations, and alumni; and careful…

When its video news releases received little television exposure, North Carolina State University developed a successful half-hour news magazine series to showcase its teaching and research efforts. The program has been well received, has provided good publicity, and makes needed news footage available in a timely fashion. (MSE)