Provides advice on buying alumni-development software, focusing on getting the necessary buy-in from staff and superiors, assessing existing policies and procedures, developing a realistic budget, writing a thorough request for proposals (RFP), assessing RFPs objectively, watching the demo with skepticism, evaluating what is shown, checking…

Offers a descriptive table of software that helps higher education institutions orchestrate events. Information includes vendor, contact, software, price, database engine/server platform, specific features, and client type. (EV)

Offers a descriptive table of databases that help higher education institutions orchestrate advancement operations. Information includes vendor, contact, software, price, database engine/server platform, recommended reporting tools, record capacity, and client type. (EV)

Advances in World Wide Web design software, photo compact disk images, print-screening processes, and four- and six-color printing can make the work of campus publications easier, cheaper, and more attractive, but also have potential pitfalls. A preview of the latest innovations, with advantages and disadvantages noted, is offered here. (MSE)

Syracuse University's use of a personal computer to keep track of alumni reunion registration is described. They can take reservations over the phone, produce lists of returning alumni according to different categories, give catering current meal counts, keep track of special requests, and write personalized confirmation letters. (MLW)

Three important trends in desktop publishing include (1) use of multiple media in presentation of information; (2) networking; and (3) "hot links" (integrated file-exchange formats). It is also important for college publications professionals to be familiar with sources of information about technological change and to be able to sort out the…

Provides advice to alumni officers on how to start an alumni World Wide Web page with support from students, faculty, and others. Alumni offices can use students to design their Web sites, get faculty and alumni involved in the project, and work with campus Webmasters to produce a superior site. (MDM)

Stewardship is seen as an essential part of the fund-raising cycle of identification, cultivation, solicitation, recognition, and looking after the gift. Sometimes referred to as donor relations, stewardship covers the entire relationship between a donor and the institution. (MLW)