The Language of Advancement-Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar “The Language of Advancement” introduced common terminology used in alumni relations, annual giving, major gifts, and development in higher education. Presenters Angela Mills and Amanda Tribue explained how alumni engagement is built around time, talent, and treasure, and how institutions create opportunities through communications, events, boards, chapters, online communities, affinity groups, homecoming, and reunions. They also described the alumni life cycle, emphasizing that engagement is strongest during the last two years as a student and first three years as an alum.<br /><br />On the fundraising side, they distinguished fundraising from development, highlighting the four stages: identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. They discussed case statements, unrestricted versus restricted gifts, annual giving, major giving, endowments, gift agreements, planned giving, and blended gifts. Special vocabulary such as LIBUTs, SABUTs, appeal codes, retention rates, pledges, and campaigns was also defined.<br /><br />The presenters stressed the importance of accurate data, cross-campus collaboration, and understanding each other’s roles to strengthen alumni relationships and increase giving. They closed by encouraging participants to use CASE resources and share knowledge across advancement teams.

Keywords

alumni relations

annual giving

major gifts

development

alumni engagement

fundraising stages

gift stewardship

higher education advancement