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Alumni Impact 2030:

Community at the Heart

September 2024

 

 

“The object of this Society shall be, to strengthen and perpetuate College friendships; to preserve in her sons a warm regard for the favors of the College, and a lively memory of her maternal care and substantial benefits; to spread abroad a knowledge of the great opportunities to be found within her walls for study, the acquisition of science, and the cultivation of virtue; and to enjoy, at stated times, social reunions at the College.”

Santa Clara College Society of Alumni, Founding Constitution
April 27, 1881

 

 

 

Our Plan's Foundation

 

Since 1881, the Alumni Association has kept Broncos passionate, proud, and connected. With over 112,000 alumni living in all 50 states and more than 100 countries, Santa Clara graduates represent a vibrant network of achievers, ambassadors, and advocates.

In 2017, we published Inspiring our Alumni. Supporting our University. Bettering our World.  This comprehensive roadmap defined the value of Alumni Relations and identified essential areas for expanding alumni involvement while supporting the University’s $1 billion capital campaign.

(See Appendix: Accomplishments)

After making substantial progress on our primary initiatives – including driving over 1 million points of alumni engagement – it’s time to reimagine the future. Our aspirations will guide our decision-making, align us with Santa Clara University’s strategic plan, Impact 2030, and move the Association boldly forward.

To understand perceptions and continue benchmarking our progress, the Alumni Association commissioned the 2023 Alumni Attitude Survey. The results confirm what we intuitively know: those who still feel part of the Santa Clara community are three to four times more likely to be engaged physically, digitally, emotionally, spiritually, intellectually, or philanthropically with our institution.

Combined with focus group feedback, industry best practices, an understanding of societal trends, and Impact 2030 details, our data affirms the affection alumni have for SCU while highlighting the need for intentional connection to the University and each other — for life.

(See Appendix: Alumni Attitude Survey Takeaways)

 

What we learned through focus groups, the alumni attitude survey, industry benchmarking, societal trends, and Impact 2030

 

Mission: We believe a strong Santa Clara Family makes the world a better place.

Purpose: It is the fundamental role of the Santa Clara University Alumni Association to foster passion for the University, inspire lifelong connections, encourage Ignatian values, and motivate Alumni to participate fully in the institution as doers, donors, and champions for others.

Alumni Impact 2030: A contemporary vision for Alumni Relations, grounded in enduring values and driven by ambitious ideals.

Our Guiding Principles, Big Ideas, and Key Priorities articulate the attitudes and actions needed to mobilize our alumni, effectively allocate resources, and successfully steward the University’s largest constituency.

 

“I am proud to be part of the SCU family, which possesses all the technical tools to succeed but also the heart which cares for all walks of life and the passion/commitment to do the right things.”

2023 Alumni Attitude Survey Respondent
Class of 1983

Our Guiding Principles

identify the behaviors needed to accomplish our Big Ideas and Key Priorities

 

Two hands holding a compass

Driven by Purpose

Alumni are busy. Families, friends, careers, hobbies, and social commitments compete for their time. To garner their attention and gain their trust, we will convey a compelling purpose for every communication, event, and interaction.

Driven by Relationships

We are in the people business and will engage our primary constituencies (i.e. alumni, students, and campus partners) with the ultimate goal of building and stewarding relationships.

Group of people arm-in-arm
Lightbulb falling toward outstretched hand

Driven by Innovation and Discovery

To adapt to changing environments, we will continually improve by exploring fresh perspectives, taking intelligent risks, harnessing technology, and evaluating performance.

Driven by Engagement Data

We will actively deploy our alumni data to understand trends, measure outcomes, and inform decisions.

Hand hovering over laptop keyboard, printed out chart with data and graphs

 

Purpose, Relationships, Innovation, Discovery, Engagement Data

“I am proud of the family that SCU builds, the leadership opportunities it provides, and the values of the students who graduate from Santa Clara.”

2023 Alumni Attitude Survey Respondent
Class of 2015

 

Our Big Ideas

are the high-level strategies that drive our most important priorities.

 

The 4th C: Community

Community is at the heart of the SCU experience. Feelings of togetherness and gratitude bind Broncos across generations, motivating them to show up, stand out, and give back. We are uniquely positioned to be a force for good by fostering belonging and building community.

The 4th C: Community

Alumni at the Center

Broncos are galvanized by the stories of other Broncos. Celebrating “alumni in action” inspires others, reinforces Santa Clara values, and enhances the University’s reputation. It’s time to put alumni at the center of our messages and activities.

Alumni at the Center

Broncos for Life

The interests, needs, and preferences of alumni change over time. We must attend to these transitions and create programs that are relevant and valued throughout their Bronco Lifecycle – from incoming student to Gianera Society member, and beyond.

Broncos for Life

 

“SCU was life-changing for me. After 50 years, my lifeline is still the people that I met during college. I see them often, I’ve traveled the world with them, I’ve shared my life experiences with them. My life would be very different, and not as fulfilling if I did not go to SCU. I will be forever grateful.”

2023 Alumni Attitude Survey Respondent
Class of 1975

 

Our Key Priorities

define the attitudes and actions critical to the success of the Alumni Association and Santa Clara University

 

Statue in SCU's Mission Gardens
Navigate here to Deliver Value
Red Tie with SCU seal
Navigate here to Personal & Relevant
Two alumni looking into the distance
Navigate here to Strengthen Our Communities
Group of Alumni
Navigate here to Make it Local
President Sullivan shaking hands with an alumna
Navigate here to Valued Voice

 

We aim “…to sustain and nurture the ‘secret sauce’ that has long characterized our Bronco community – the incredibly strong ties and lifelong relationships formed among students and sustained among our alumni, which is so important to our success as a university.”

Santa Clara University Impact 2030

Our Commitments

By 2030, in anticipation of the Alumni Association’s Sesquicentennial, we will grow the following benchmarks:

 

Circular chart shows four goals for SCU alumni engagement: community connection, engagement points, satisfaction, and unique engagement. Each segment has a percentage and brief description.

 

 

Timely & Timeless

SCU is rising. As leaders and change agents, our alumni are vital to helping the university achieve new heights. Their words and actions forge a more just, humane, and sustainable world; their lives are our mission brought to life.

As the Santa Clara University Alumni Association, our community-centric, purposeful, data-informed, and forward-thinking approach is both timely and timeless. As we embark on an ambitious course for the future, we will listen and respond to the needs and interests of Broncos everywhere.

 

“The ultimate measure of our university is the lives our alumni lead”

University President Julie Sullivan, Ph.D.
Board of Regents Meeting, October 2022

Download the Full Plan!

Appendices

 

Young alumna taking a selfie with Bucky Bronco
Navigate here to Appendix I: Alumni Attitude Survey Takeaways
Man crouched over a table of SCU paraphernalia
Navigate here to Appendix II: Alumni Association Accomplishments
A fountain in front of a large crowd of people on Abby Sobrato Mall
Navigate here to Appendix III: Alumni Engagement Metrics Key Learnings
Four alumni walking toward the camera at grad bash
Navigate here to Appendix IV: Survey Demographics & Methodology