Designing Alumni Communities People Actually Return To
17
5:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Alumni engagement is no longer just about reunions, events, and annual campaigns. The real opportunity lies in the moments between them, touchpoints that are equally important, if not more.
As alumni expectations shift toward more personalized and meaningful experiences, advancement teams are rethinking how to build connections year-round, not just during key events.
Join Lynne Wester and Jose Lopez for a practical, conversational session on what it actually takes to create alumni communities people want to return to.
Together, we’ll explore:
- What alumni expect from institutions today
- How to move beyond one-off engagement
- Ways institutions are building year-round engagement through mentorship, networking, volunteering, affinity groups, and digital communities
- What makes alumni feel remembered instead of being marketed to
- Which engagement strategies work and which ones quietly fall flat
- How stronger engagement shapes long-term donor relationships
Expect practical ideas, honest conversation, real examples, and actionable takeaways you can start applying right away.
Speakers
Jose Lopez
Strategic Sales Lead @ Almabase
Jose Lopez is a strategic sales leader with deep experience in advancement technology, alumni engagement, and donor relations. He began his journey in the space as the first full-time sales representative at ThankView, where he spent five years helping institutions strengthen stewardship and engagement through personalized outreach.
Today, Jose works with Almabase, partnering with advancement teams to rethink alumni engagement, donor experience, and community-building strategies in a more connected, year-round way.
Outside of work, Jose is also a musician and bandleader.
Lynne Wester
Principal and Founder @ Donor Relations Group
For over two decades, Lynne Wester has been a dynamic force in the fundraising world, redefining how organizations think about and engage with their donors. A bold believer that donor relations is the secret sauce to fundraising success, Lynne champions the idea that the donor experience should be just as intentional and strategic as the ask itself.
Renowned for her ability to challenge the status quo in all the right ways, Lynne steps in when organizations are facing pivotal moments — whether navigating a crisis or seizing an opportunity. Her approach? Smart strategy, authentic connection, and fearless innovation. As the founder and principal of DRG, Lynne leads a powerhouse team of experts who work with nonprofits of all sizes to transform their fundraising outcomes.
17
5:00 PM - 5:45 PM