Campus Partner Communications
Communicating with alumni is important for not only your department/college, but for the entire University as a whole. There are many great vehicles available for communicating with alumni. These vehicles are ways to promote an upcoming event/program or highlight a particular faculty member, alumnus, or student. Don't forget to include a giving message in all communications.
Potential communication vehicles can be found below.
News
Found online at News.IllinoisState.edu, News is the home for articles, events, and digital media from all around the Illinois State community. This one is a great avenue to do exactly as the title says, share your news. These stories could be about a recent or upcoming event, notable accomplishments by students or alumni, or a new milestone for your department. Everyone has a story to tell, here is your chance to let it be heard.
Also, anything that you want to be included in your College e-newsletter needs to be entered into News as well.
To get started, contact your appropriate College/Department contacts:
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Alumni Engagement
- Rachel Kobus
- rkobus@IllinoisState.edu
- (309) 438-5633
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College of Business
- Joyce Parmenter
- jlparme@IllinoisState.edu
- (309) 438-6009
- Steve Vandiver
- shvandi@IllinoisState.edu
- (309) 438-2646
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College of Applied Science and Technology
- Kara Snyder
- kepool@IllinoisState.edu
- (309) 438-3986
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College of Education
- Molly Davis
- madavis@IllinoisState.edu
- (309) 438-4486
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Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts
- Stephanie Kohl Ringle
- srkohlr@IllinoisState.edu
- (309) 438-5134
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Mennonite College of Nursing
- Nora Dukowitz
- nkdukow@IllinoisState.edu
- (309) 438-0763
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College of Arts and Sciences
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Student Affairs
TBD
Timeline: Individual posts can have a quick turnaround. In order to be included in that month's e-newsletter (General or College) the story needs to be submitted by the 15th.
Illinois State Magazine “Class Notes”
The Illinois State Magazine is mailed three times a year (spring, summer, winter) to the University’s alumni, donors, and friends that have opted to receive it. Alumni can also select to receive an online version of each edition rather than the printed piece. Features in the magazine are tailored to appeal to all alumni, not just one specific college/department.
Within the magazine, the “Class Notes” section is a great way to include a larger feature on students/alumni or highlight smaller accomplishments (new jobs, marriages, etc.).
Print Mailings
While email and social media can be a great way to reach alumni, sometimes the best way to reach your alumni is with tried and true direct mailings. Combining your message with an effective design, alumni and friends will find this printed piece in their mailbox with all the information they’ll need.
For the best results, a slightly longer timetable is needed for direct mail pieces.
Relay Emails
Best way to send a mass email to alumni and friends. These can be targeted to a certain demographic (age, location, etc.), affinity group, organization, and more. The emails can be used to promote an upcoming event on or off campus with appropriate links for registration or even more information.