In this episode of "Alumless Takes," Ryan Catherwood and Nick Kallail discuss the evolving role of regional engagement in alumni associations. They explore the effectiveness of formal versus informal volunteer-run organizations, with Nick emphasizing the importance of building flexible, community-driven networks that align with alumni interests. The conversation highlights the shift from traditional sports-focused events to diverse, service-oriented initiatives that foster meaningful connections among alumni. They also touch on the challenges and strategies of measuring success in alumni engagement and the impact of modern technology on traditional alumni activities.

This episode of Alumless is made possible by our season sponsors Protopia, AlumnIQ, and Givzey, with additional support from Richmond Associates.

What do alumni really think about their alma mater today, and what does that mean for the future of advancement?

On this super sized episode of Alumless, Ryan and Chris sit down with Howard Heevner, Co-Founder of the The National Alumni Survey, Executive Director of Annual Programs at the University of California, Berkeley, and Vice President and Consultant with CMAC, to unpack insights from the 2026 National Alumni Survey. Howard explains why the survey was launched and what it reveals about the changing relationship between institutions and their alumni.

The conversation explores generational shifts in philanthropic behavior and why Howard believes trust has become the most important currency in alumni engagement. The conversation continues with a discussion of the sector’s toughest questions: what may be broken in the traditional annual giving pipeline and how advancement leaders may need to rethink qualification, messaging, and donor journeys in the years ahead.

This episode of Alumless is made possible by our season sponsors Protopia, AlumnIQ, and Givzey, with additional support from Richmond Associates.

Metrics are shaping the future of alumni engagement, but only if institutions are willing to use them strategically.

On this bonus episode of Alumless World, Ryan and Nicole Hess Kempton are joined by special guest Barbara Dick, Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations at the University of Toronto, for a global conversation on innovation in alumni engagement metrics. Barbara reflects on her path into advancement, her leadership in integrated advancement models, and the persistent silos that can limit institutional progress.

The discussion explores how nuanced engagement metrics can influence real decisions and how Toronto elevated engagement goals alongside financial targets during the Defy Gravity campaign.

In the bonus segment, Barbara shares practical advice for building institutional buy-in around engagement data and the global trends she believes will define the next frontier of alumni metrics.

This episode of Alumless World is made possible by our season sponsors Protopia, AlumnIQ, and Givzey, and our newest presenting sponsor, Richmond Associates.