Event Idea Menu

Involving All AlumniDePauew Tiger Paw Print

Our community is comprised of alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff, prospective students, and friends of the University. Regional groups should be aware of and sensitive to the fact that the community is comprised of people from all backgrounds and various racial, cultural, religious, ethnic, economic, sexual, gender, and age groups. Regional groups are urged to engage all alumni in their events. Often a special effort is needed to attract such constituents, and personal contact is often the most effective means. Keep these
ideas in mind:

  • Do not hold events at locations with membership or guest restrictions.
  • Be aware that certain events will appeal more to certain age groups.
  • Be aware that the price you set may prohibit some people from participating.
  • Avoid scheduling events on major religious holidays of all faiths.
  • Avoid hosting an event with a theme or focus that would inadvertently exclude people (i.e. Christmas parties).

University Sponsored Programs
(Each region should plan on having one of these every other year. There will be assistance and guidance from the Office of Alumni Relations.)

  • "An Evening with...", a visit from a faculty member. Spend an evening with a favorite faculty member who is an expert on a hot issue of the day. Have a reception prior and Q and A after. Successful topics have included: Islam, internationalizing DePauw, the media and its influences, and the presidential election.
  • Presidential Receptions. Meet the president and learn about the issues facing the University today.
  • DePauw Day. Hold a medley of activities including career panels, faculty discussions and a reception.
  • Monon Bell Telecast Party. Host a telecast party at a local restaurant or at someone's home in your region. **BEST PRACTICE**

Community Service Events
(Each region should consider doing an event in May, DePauw's National Month of Service.)

  • Clean up the Community. Clean up a the local river bay, playground, stretch of highway or neighborhood.
  • Volunteer at a soup kitchen, food bank, or homeless shelter.
  • Group walk-a-thon. Spend a day with fellow alumni raising awareness for a good cause.
  • Blood drive battles against other schools in the area or SCAC conference.

Career Advancement

  • Professional networking receptions. A formatted program with which our office can assist you. It may include a reception, an exchange of business cards, networking, as well as a speaker.
  • Career lectures or a featured speaker. Hear fellow alumni talk about their careers and how they got them. Usually the best speakers are those in interesting jobs or careers. Chicago has done this successfully quite a few times with an alum who is a coach of the Bears, regional CEOs, and top leaders in their industries.

Just for Fun

  • Group trips to area sporting events. Join fellow alumni to see your favorite sports teams play. This seems to be most successful in the spring and summer with local baseball teams (major or minor leagues).
  • Group trip to the theater/symphony/concert/art exhibit. Gather with your fellow alumni and enjoy an evening of culture. Consider an event that has a lot of local press, is a big opening, or re-opening. Try to pair it with a reception, private led tour of the exhibit, backstage tour, etc. to make it extra-special.
  • Cocktail party/Happy Hour. Simple wine and cheese type party at someone's home or at a local restaurant.
  • Mini-sporting events/tournaments. Participate in a little competition with your fellow alumni, such as golf, tennis, touch football, or cornhole.

Miscellaneous

  • Family Events. Picnic at a local park, go to a children's museum, go to a paint-your-own pottery studio, or zoo.
  • Mini-Reunions. Reunite clusters of classes, former team members, or other affinities in your region.
  • Dinner to honor local alumni.
  • Luncheon addressed by local prominent alumni.
  • Attend a DePauw athletic event being hosted by a local team (an SCAC team or during spring or fall break). Have a reception before or afterwards.

Programming for Younger Alumni Tips (GOLD, Graduates of the Last Decade)

  • Location. Usually a local "hot spot" will be the bigger draw or a place where otherwise they would not have a chance to go, such as a private club. Try to keep it central to where most young alumni are located, as many depend on public transportation.
  • Cost. Keep it inexpensive, as most are just beginning their careers or families or both. Consider discounting the event for young alumni compared with other attendees (the true cost of event is $20, but GOLD pays $15 and everyone else pays $25).
  • Time. After work seems best. But consider the local culture, do most young people work later into the evening and thus your event should begin later? Also consider that those with families must arrange for a sitter.
  • Focus. Try to tap into their biggest concerns or interests. This could incude: careers, getting to know other people their age, educating themselves on hot issues of the day.

Programming for Older Alumni Tips

  • Location. Choose places that are safe and easy to reach. Try not to hold events where there are a lot of stairs to climb. Accessibility may be a concern.
  • Time. Many older alumni do not go out at night because they find it difficult to drive after dark. Day events and weekend events may be the most successful. Also consider that those with families must arrange for a sitter.
  • Focus. Program of interest might include retirement plans or estate palnning, health-related issues, travel programs, academic lectures, and opportunities to see classmates.