My Account Log in

2 options

Bridges to a lifelong connection: A study of Ivy Plus young alumni programs designed to transition recent graduates into engaged alumni.

Online

Available online

View online

Dissertations & Theses @ University of Pennsylvania Available online

View online
Format:
Book
Thesis/Dissertation
Author/Creator:
Wampler, Fredrick Hoopes.
Contributor:
Kaplan, Eric, committee member.
Armacost, Mary-Linda, committee member.
Gasman, Marybeth, advisor.
University of Pennsylvania. Higher Education.
Language:
English
Subjects (All):
Education, Higher.
Education, Higher--Administration.
0446.
0745.
Penn dissertations--Higher Education Management.
Higher Education Management--Penn dissertations.
Local Subjects:
Penn dissertations--Higher Education Management.
Higher Education Management--Penn dissertations.
0446.
0745.
Physical Description:
248 pages
Contained In:
Dissertation Abstracts International 74-12A(E).
System Details:
Mode of access: World Wide Web.
text file
Summary:
Many colleges and universities are starting to work more strategically to educate current students about what is waiting for them in their alumni years after graduation. The idea is to teach students and get them excited that the experience they have with their university is one that will last a lifetime. However and in spite of the success of many strong student engagement and philanthropy programs, a significant level of connection or giving coming from young alumni is not common.
The inquiry here centers on the study of how and why young undergraduate alumni stay connected to or become disconnected from their alma maters right after graduation and in the first few years after college. A principal hypothesis of the study is if students are engaged and connected to their undergraduate institutions immediately after graduation, a persistent behavior and engagement pattern will develop creating a lifetime of connection and giving back to the university.
Colleges and universities need to devise new strategies for engaging and connecting with their young alumni. To study the phenomenon of young alumni engagement, a case study analysis was conducted on the Ivy Plus institutions with a specific focus on recent graduate programs at Cornell and Princeton. The result is a set of conclusions and operational practices which can be utilized by any institution.
The findings illustrate that understanding the alumni culture of an institution and working to influence and connect with current students is paramount in order to achieve success. Then, creating ways for young alumni to develop supportive behaviors through peer-to-peer connections will bring recent graduates closer. Using traditions, rituals and multi-generational connections will also work to build stronger identities and commitment. Fundraising plays a key role in engaging young alumni in a way where they can feel like their donations have an impact. Finally, all young alumni programs should include a robust and comprehensive volunteer structure where young alumni not only do for themselves - they also do for their friends. Young alumni want to serve the institution, but for young alumni, the institution is the relationships they create and nurture over a lifetime.
Notes:
Thesis (Ed.D. in Education) -- University of Pennsylvania, 2013.
Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 74-12(E), Section: A.
Adviser: Marybeth Gasman.
Local Notes:
School code: 0175.
ISBN:
9781303334207
Access Restriction:
Restricted for use by site license.

The Penn Libraries is committed to describing library materials using current, accurate, and responsible language. If you discover outdated or inaccurate language, please fill out this feedback form to report it and suggest alternative language.

Find

Home Release notes

My Account

Shelf Request an item Bookmarks Fines and fees Settings

Guides

Using the Find catalog Using Articles+ Using your account