Presentations
ALC | September 21-22, 2012
Below are some of the presentations made at the 2011 Alumni Leadership Conference. Special thanks to all our volunteers who contributed to the rich and robust conference program. Presentations made to the Corporation Development Committee can be found on the CDC Website.
Of General Interest
Update from the Alumni Association Leadership
A conversation with Alumni Association EVP and CEO Judy Cole and Alumni Association President Greg Turner ’74, MArch ’77. Watch the Alumni Association’s year in review video update shown just prior to this talk.
A Conversation with MIT President Susan Hockfield
Alumni Association Executive Vice President and CEO Judy Cole and Vice President for Resource Development Jeff Newton joined President Hockfield for a conversation on leading MIT. During this talk President Hockfield asked MIT alumni and volunteers to share their reflections on MIT’s 150th anniversary. We encourage you to visit the Idea Bank to see what other community members are saying, and to share your own MIT150 experience and ideas.
Policy Advocacy: Empowering the Information Army (PDF)
Through the MIT Washington Office, the Institute actively advocates for a range of issues, including federal support of science research and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education. This session featured Abby Benson MNG ’05, SM ’05, assistant director of the MIT Washington Office, who provided an overview of how the Institute interacts with the federal government. In addition, John Gavenonis ’98 from the Alumni Association Board of Directors described an exciting new program that empowers alumni to directly advocate for science policy.
Going Global: MIT’s Growing Role in the International Community
Watch Video Here
In today’s increasingly interconnected world, MIT is establishing new collaborations while strengthening the engagement of international alumni and donors. Director of Global Initiatives Tuli Banerjee, Director of Clubs and Regional Programs Melissa Marquardt, and students from MIT international programs led this conversation, exploring the impact that global collaboration has on Institute resources, educational opportunities, and scientific advancement.
Energy, Environment and Sustainability: Amping up Alumni Interest (PDF)
You’ve probably heard about MIT’s Energy Initiative (MITEI) and the great amount of energy-related activities happening on campus, including the student-run Energy Club and the sustainable Efficiency Forward campaign. This workshop focused on connecting alumni clubs to campus activities and assisted alumni interested in developing energy-related programming and/or fundraising for MITEI. Attendees also heard how alumni are making an impact in the energy, environment, and sustainability arena.
Plus, handouts related to Energy (PDF)
K-12 STEM: Connecting to MIT’s Education Networks (PDF)
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education (STEM) is a critical topic for kindergarten through 12th grade in the United States and around the globe. Attendees learned about MIT’s many initiatives and discovered how to connect clubs, classes, or groups to the growing community of MIT alumni engaged and interested in enhancing K-12 education.
Also: K-12-related handouts (PDF)
MIT 2030 – Envisioning our Future Campus (PDF)
Since the Institute’s founding in 1861, the campus has evolved, sometimes dramatically, in response to challenges and changes in the world. Attendees learned about the Institute’s current initiative to write the next chapter in its physical development through a comprehensive planning process called MIT 2030.
Forum on Rebuilding the American Economy
Prior to ALC, alumni, students, faculty and representatives of MIT’s corporate partners gathered for a forum on “Rebuilding the American Economy” to examine manufacturing’s role in economic recovery. The event was sponsored by the Department of Political Science and by Production in the Innovation Economy (PIE), a new MIT initiative that seeks to analyze the relationship between innovation, production and job creation. Throughout the forum, participants sought answers to a pervasive question: Can the United States keep its innovative edge if it loses its production capabilities? MIT forum examines the role of manufacturing in rebuilding the economy. Read more and watch the video.
Educational Council
The MIT Student Experience Version 2011 (PDF)
What is it like to be an MIT student today? This session, hosted by the MIT Admissions Office and featuring students from the Gordon-MIT Engineering Leadership Program, offered a taste of the current student experience.
Fundraising
Leveraging Reunions, Campaigns and Special Events to Build MIT’s Philanthropic Network (PDF)
MIT reunions, special events, and campaigns are opportunities to ask alumni and friends for support—but they are also conduits to strengthen bonds within the MIT community. In this session, attendees explored best practices for going from good to great as a Tech ambassador, which includes strengthening partnerships with staff and adopting a long-range view in building philanthropic relationships.
See also this useful handout: Strategic Questions for an Effective Conversation (PDF)
Making the Case: The Logic of Giving to MIT (PDF)
In today’s crowded philanthropic space, competition for donor engagement is more intense than ever. In this session, attendees explored compelling cases that can be used to broaden MIT’s philanthropic base and debunk myths about giving. Arm yourself with effective responses to even the most challenging objections!
See also our handout (PDF)
Class Programs and Reunion Planning
50th Reunion Committee Training (PDF)
The 50th reunion is a class’s largest gathering since convening in Killian Court to graduate. Attendees learned how previous committees planned successful 50th reunions and how to start preparing today. (Class volunteers who have passed their 45th reunion are particularly encouraged to attend.)
Class Officer Luncheon and Training (PDF)
Meeting of other class officers, class fundraisers, and Alumni Association staff to explore strategies for keeping your class connected and active. Topics included: the Encompass platform from iModules and the new suite of online tools and discussion on how these enhance the work of class officers.
2012 Reunion Committee Training (PDF)
Class leaders discussed best practices for planning events and designing reunion activities that reflect each class’s unique personality. This session was highly recommended for class volunteers who are planning June 2012 reunions.
Volunteer Management
Onboarding Volunteers (PDF)
How does your group harness the enthusiasm of volunteers—from the moment they raise their hands to the day they agree to chair a committee? This session examined opportunities, challenges, and best practices to make your organization more successful and volunteer friendly.
Leading, Motivating, and Inspiring Volunteers (PDF)
How do you keep fellow volunteers engaged and dedicated to the mission of your club, class, or group? How do you motivate others? At this interactive session, seasoned volunteers offered their best practices for fostering an environment that inspires others to continue committing their time and talent.
Online Services and Tools
Encompass platform from iModules (PDF)
The Alumni Association’s transition of online services to the Encompass platform from iModules means more ways to connect with your constituents. This session provided an overview of the new online services and covered the steps that groups need to take to successfully migrate, launch, and thrive in this new platform.
Volunteer Toolkits—What to Keep, Toss, or Add? (PDF)
Do the Alumni Association’s Volunteer Toolkits assist you with your responsibilities? Are you aware of the information that’s available to you? In this session, attendees explored the various online toolkit resources and discussed what’s helpful and what they would like to see added.
Marketing & Communications
Making the Most of Email Marketing (PDF)
How can your email stand out among the clutter of an inbox? This hands-on session demonstrated how to craft messages that people will want to read by looking at examples and improving content and layout. Attendees also learned about new tools in the Encompass platform from iModules and how to best take advantage of them.
Presentations made to the Corporation Development Committee can be found on the CDC Website.
