Product ShowCASE: Giving Day Solutions-Phonecast Case Studies Brochure

Phonecast Case Studies Brochure

Pdf Summary

This document highlights the use of Phonecasts—high-tech, interactive group phone calls—as an effective communication tool for university leaders to engage with alumni, students, and other stakeholders.<br /><br />Lawrence University employed Phonecasts to announce President Jill Beck’s retirement and later introduced president-elect Mark Burstein to over 16,000 alumni and admitted students in April 2013. Burstein took questions on various topics during a live call, engaging one-third of those dialed, with 86% of answerers participating actively. The event was introduced by Board Chair Terry Franke and allowed participants to queue to speak directly with Burstein or submit questions online. A recording was made available afterward.<br /><br />Other institutions have similarly used Phonecasts to connect with their communities:<br /><br />- University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler reached nearly 60,000 alumni, with nearly 10,000 participating in a 30-minute call that included polling and Q&A, generating ongoing interest as the archived recording has been accessed hundreds of times.<br /><br />- Albion College used a Phonecast to engage approximately 16,400 alumni during a leadership transition, achieving participation from 82% of answered calls.<br /><br />- The University of Iowa conducted athletics-focused Phonecasts featuring basketball coach Fran McCaffery and Athletic Director Gary Barta, each lasting about an hour, with over 30% participation of all dialed numbers.<br /><br />Phonecasts provide dynamic, real-time dialogue opportunities that outperform other mass communication means by allowing direct questions, polling, voicemail capture, and obtaining valuable data. Institutions use these calls for advancement goals like leadership transitions, athletic outreach, and broad community engagement.<br /><br />For Lawrence University’s Burstein call, participants could join live by phone or listen to an archived recording. Opt-out options were offered before the call date. These efforts reflect a trend toward technology-driven, interactive institutional communication fostering stronger community relationships.

Keywords

Phonecasts

Lawrence University

Mark Burstein

Jill Beck retirement

University of Minnesota

Albion College

University of Iowa athletics

interactive communication

alumni engagement

leadership transition