Vous êtes sur la page 1sur 43

M il l en n i al S ol uti on s

Presents

Saint Bede Academy


Bruin Reconnect

Gabriela Avila
Ali Geary
Paige Meyers
Lily Nedland
Kimberly Sanden
hannah Sheley

Table of Contents
Section

Title

Page Number(s)

1.............................. Executive Summary..........................................


2.............................. Situation Analysis & Problem Research...........
2.1........................... Resarch Questions...........................................
2.2........................... Areas of Research............................................
2.3........................... Primary & Secondary Research.......................
2.4........................... Findings & Analysis...........................................
2.5........................... SWOT Analysis.................................................
2.6........................... Possible & Actual Target Publics......................
2.7........................... Segmented Publics...........................................
2.8........................... Key Message Platform......................................
3.............................. Objectives, Strategies, Tactics, & Evaluation...
4.............................. Timeline.............................................................
5.............................. Budget...............................................................
6.............................. References........................................................
7.............................. Appendices.......................................................
APPENDIX A........... Alumni & Communication Coordinator..............
APPENDIX B........... Communication & Alumni Relations Intern.......
APPENDIX C........... Alumni Information Email.................................
APPENDIX D........... #BruinAlum T-shirt Incentive.............................
APPENDIX E........... Organic Boosting of #BruinAlum......................
APPENDIX F............ Social Media #BruinAlum Contest....................
APPENDIX G........... Personalized email to graduating seniors.........
APPENDIX H........... Update Care Packages.....................................
APPENDIX I.............Lunch & Learn..................................................
APPENDIX J............ Senior Networking Showdown..........................
APPENDIX K........... Phone Interview................................................
APPENDIX L............Secondary Research........................................
8............................... Letter of Transmittal..........................................
9............................... Contact Us........................................................

M
S

1
2
3
3
4
4-7
8-9
10
10
10-11
12-15
16-17
18
19
20-39
20
21
22-23
24
25
26
27-28
29
30-32
33-36
37-38
39
40
41

1. Executive Summary
Saint Bede Academy has a long standing tradition of providing quality education to its students
in a supportive, close-knit community. Because St. Bede Academy provides such a unique
educational experience to its students and families, we have the opportunity to build stronger
relationships with its alumni base. The purpose of this plan is to focus on the current issue of
locating and reconnecting with alumni from the classes between 1980 and 2016 and maintaining
relationships with current students post-graduation.
Project Bruin Reconnect, a strategic public relations campaign, will assist in establishing
and strengthening relationships with current and future St. Bede Academy alumni. Millennial
Solutions completed extensive research to obtain a better understanding of the tactics and
strategies used by other successful secondary and post-secondary educational institutions in
alumni relations. By analyzing our findings and discussing current initiatives, we formulated
creative tactics to increase engagement.
Millennial Solutions will plan a one-year public relations campaign, beginning May 2016 and
ending in May 2017. We are focused on increasing alumni engagement on St. Bede Academys
Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter accounts through preparatory activities prior to graduation
and a #BruinAlum contest. The plan also proposes a yearly communication intern with a focus
on social media and a full-time alumni & communication coordinator to continue updating
and promoting St. Bede Academy to the public. #BruinAlum is a campaign directed at alumni
to encourage conversation on social media platforms, along with several other tactics, the
organization can build and strengthen relationships with its alumni. This plan also includes
a strategy to educate and engage with seniors, prior to graduation, to prepare them for the
transition into alumni called the Senior Networking Showdown. The one-day event is dedicated
to St. Bede Academy seniors that focuses on college and professional preparation and well as
information regarding involvement in the alumni association post-graduation. The plan includes
the following objectives to help reach the overall goal of increasing overall alumni engagement:
Increase awareness among St. Bede Academy seniors regarding alumni and networking
opportunities by 75% by May of 2017.
Develop and implement an effective system for gathering alumni data (both past and recent)
by December of 2016.
Increase alumni engagement (1980 to present) by 50% by December of 2016.
This campaign provides a well-constructed public relations plan that can be implemented to
increase alumni engagement by May 2017. This plan will result in an increased number of
engaged students and alumni. The proposed campaign is within the budget allocated using
$7,327.28 of the $10,000 given. If implemented, we are confident that this plan will not only
increase St. Bede Academy social media follower base on all platforms, but it will also increase
alumni participation with St. Bede Academy for years to come.

M
S

2. Situation Analysis & Problem Research


In order for St. Bede Academy to effectively maintain and increase alumni relations,
a proper analysis of its current environment is necessary. This section details and
analyzes St. Bede Acadmeys current situation by defining the scope, the stakeholders
affected, identifying and explaining the competition, and providing a situational analysis
for St. Bede Academys strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for remaining
a successful academy in LaSalle-Peru, Ill.
Situation Analysis
Since 1890, St. Bede Academy has offered students an educational environment unlike any
other school. St. Bede Academy students receive a quality education, and the academy
prides itself on a nearly 100 percent graduation and secondary school attendance rate. The
teaching staff cares about more than just the students education--they seek to create unique
relationships that the students will cherish long after graduation. At St. Bede Academy, each
student is greeted by name. The environment of St. Bede feels just like home, with a high
level of involvement from both students and teaching staff. Everyone at St. Bede Academy is
invested in its experience and improving the campus culture at St. Bede. Therefore, continuing
these strong relationships past graduation is already in place.
St. Bede Academy is currently reaching its alumni through email, mail, and social media.
These tactics have helped to keep graduates connected, but not all alumni contact information
is up-to-date. Contacting alumni and their families to get their most recent information, and
reaching out to alumni on social media is a serious drain on the time and resources of St. Bede
staff. St. Bede Academy has done some work to connect with recent graduates, but needs
more effective and cost-efficient ways to build and rebuild connections and relationships.
St. Bede Academy described concerns of the loss of an engaged long-term connection with
recent graduates. St. Bede Academy holds the belief that they have strong engagement with
some alumni, particularly older alumni, but know they need to work to build connections with
younger alumni in order to build for the future. Millennial Solutions goal is to increase alumni
connections and engagement with St. Bede, and to prevent further disconnection through an
innovative and unique campaign: Bruin Reconnect.
Millennial Solutions looks forward to working with St. Bede Academy to achieve this attainable
goal of connecting and reconnecting with recent alumni, and also teaching current seniors
about the importance of alumni networking connections.

M
S

2.1 Research Questions


What motivates recent graduates to continue their involvement with nonprofit private catholic
schools post graduation and how often do they prefer to be contacted (email, phone, mail)?
What pre-professional opportunities are given to seniors to prepare them for life before entering
college and post-college?
In what ways does St. Bede contact their alumni on a daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, etc. basis?
And which are more effective with the target audience?
What other private non-profit high schools have successfully kept up alumni relations? Why/
How are they successful?
What activities can alumni participate in during the school year and which of those activities
would appeal to younger alumni who cannot attend events on campus

2.2 Areas of Research


High Schools
Studying and researching how other Catholic, non-profit high schools increase alumni
engagement is a necessary step in understanding St. Bede Academys current situation.
Catholic high schools are typically smaller in size, and have various ways that they keep in
contact with their alumni. It is also important to note what strategies, if any, these schools use to
prepare their seniors for the transition from students to alumni.
Universities
Institutions of higher learning have well-developed and refined methods for alumni relations and
engagement, and therefore, must be researched. It is important to understand how universities
are approaching their alumni so that similar ideas can be generated and adjusted for a younger
and different audience. Several different institutions were analyzed and discussed. It is beneficial
to know the most effective methods universities utilize to maintain engagement with large groups
of people who are not all in one place.
Current Initiatives
Before an effective campaign could be developed, it is important to reflect on the current tactics
that St. Bede Academy uses to manage and develop relationships with its alumni. This was done
via analysis and discussion of their social media pages, website and various publications, such
as the Whats Bruin? newsletter.
Methods of Contact
Research can be performed to assess different methods of contacting groups of people.
Resources such as Google Forms, Survey Monkey, and HTML generated contact forms were
explored to determine which would fit best for St. Bede.

M
S

2.3 Primary & Secondary Research


Primary Research Methods
In order to have a better understanding of St. Bede, its current initiatives, student
attitudes, and alumni information management, a phone interview was conducted
with Tom McGunnigal and Jeanne Margherio. See Appendix K for a transcript of
the interview.
Secondary Research Methods
Analyses of several high school and university websites, social media and
competitor tactics were completed during the research period. Exploration of
the websites of other schools focused on their alumni resources that could be
found online and comparing and contrasting them with what currently exists on
st-bede.com. Social media research involved the current St. Bede social media
accounts on all platforms, as well as exploring accounts owned by other Catholic
high schools in Illinois. Competitor tactics were analyzed at the high school and
university level to provide Millennial Solutions with as much information possible
before constructing our plan for St. Bede Academy

2.4 Findings & Analysis


Primary Research

Phone Interview
See Appendix K for full transcript
Overall takeaways
St. Bede Academy students show a strong interest in the student ambassador
program.
While short, lunch provides a period of time where students are free and on
campus to participate in possible engagement opportunities.
There is a need for a more efficient way of reaching out to alumni for updated
contact information.

M
S

2.4 Findings & Analysis


Secondary Research

St. Bede Academy Current Initiatives


Saint Bede Academy has a current Alumni Facebook page with 620 likes. The link is provided
under the Alumni tab on the st-bede.com website in the Alumni Association tab. The user of the
Facebook shares stories, information and news on the page on average every 5-10 days, but
there is very little engagement occurring.
St. Bedes website links to a monthly newsletter called Whats Bruin? The latest issue
published to the website is from March/April 2015 and includes 8 articles including recent
events, awards, and stories regarding the graduating class.
Under the Alumni tab on the St. Bede website that current alumni can visit and fill out a simple
questionnaire to provide St. Bede with their current contact information. The questions include
current address, employer, email, secondary school (if applicable)/their area of study, and social
media handles.
Homecoming tab on st-bede.com just lists the schedule of events for the weekend. There is not
much detail put into the Homecoming page, and it does not provide much information about how
Alumni can get involved/volunteer.
St. Bede Academy Alumni Association is organized to promote a continuing interest in
and support of the educational program, mission and life of St. Bede among its members.
Membership is open to Alumni, spouses of deceased Alumni and friends of St. Bede. The
professional contact is Cheri DiCarlo who graduated in 1979. The Alumni Association section of
the website provides Alumni the opportunity to give donations, submit questions, and search the
database of past alumni dating back to 1960.
Other Illinois Catholic High Schools
(Carmel Catholic High School, St. Viator High School, Resurrection College Prep High School)
Each of these schools have user friendly pages that allow alumni to access information all in one
place. (SEE APPENDIX L)
They make engagement easy for alumni and their websites are well updated.
Why they are successful: They make it easy for their alumni to connect with their schools and
with one another. Many of the alumni are not within a close distance of their schools so it is
important that they provide resources to them to nurture out of state relationships.

M
S

2.4 Finding & Analysis Continued


Universities
(University Wisconsin-Madison, Swarthmore College, Cedar University)
UW-Madisons Bucky Challenge
Goal: Engage alumni philanthropy participation to support their alma mater.
Increase private gifts raised to support need-based scholarships to make UW-Madison an
accessible school for academically qualified students.
For each new Facebook friend or Twitter follower connecting with the UW-Madison, Wisconsin
Alumni Association or both, Will and Jenny and Wills parents, Paul and Sharon Hsu of Wausau,
Wisconsin, gave $1 to the Great People Scholarship. Through the campaign, which ran between
15 September and 3 October, nearly $20,000 was raised. More than 750,000 followers to
roughly 500 campus accounts on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Foursquare
and Flickr. Schools, colleges and campus units are increasingly using platforms such as
Facebook and Twitter to tell the universitys story, but more importantly, directly engage with
students and alumni, hold conversations, answer their questions and re-post their content.
Why it was successful: The Bucky Challenge was different because it paired several vital
institutional goals with the perfect reason to engage with audiences who may not have had a
lot of contact with the institution. Not only did we support students, but the effort expanded the
universitys potential audience for the future.
Swarthmore Colleges The Meaning of Swarthmore
Goal: Raise $230 million
Preserve the history and integrity of Swarthmore into the 21st century and beyond.
Enacted in September 2001, The Meaning of Swarthmore campaign targeted academic and
student life priorities essential to preserving and extending the quality of a Swarthmore education
into the 21st Century and beyond. Swarthmore College reached out to its alumni to send them
stories of their time at Swarthmore. Stories were organized into a collection from as far back as
the 1920s. The book, The Meaning of Swarthmore, was published and can be bought online
through Amazon. The campaign was a huge success, and Swarthmore raised $245 million, $15
million more than their original goal.
Why it was successful: This campaign is significant, in part, because it expanded the Colleges
capacity to fund its programs and meet its needs for the future, said Dan West, Vice President
for Alumni, Development, and Public Relations. Our entire development effort has been stepped
up to a new level of effectiveness.

M
S

2.4 Finding & Analysis Continued


Secondary Research Continued
Other Illinois Catholic High Schools
Cedar Universitys 5.15 Challenge
Goal: To raise $51,000 in 24 hours.
This campaign was created in two parts: Alumni Reconnect and the 5.15 Challenge. Alumni
Reconnect was a successful 30-day campaign in an effort to gain more Facebook followers.
In exchange, users were entered into a contest to receive university gear. The purpose of the
campaign was to create a path of engaged alumni to introduce the 5.15 Challenge a month
later. The 5.15 Challenge (May 15) was a 24-hour donation drive that began at midnight on May
15, 2014 and ended on midnight the next day. Alumni and friends were contacted via email,
organic Facebook posts were shared or promoted, and the university ran a call center. A simple
website was created with an online donation form.
Why it was successful: Cedar University was smart to have a two-part campaign that was
strategically released to maximize exposure for the 5.15 Campaign. Not only did Cedar
University raise three times its original goal, but it also boosted the universitys data set by
11%. With positive social engagement from 12,879 Cedarville alumni and friends during the
reconnect, the audience was fresh and ready to receive the 5.15 Challenge.

[ Overall Takeaways ]

It is important when creating a campaign to factor in the organizations goal and work to
accomplish it.
Campaigns and tactics should challenge organizations to think out of the box and demand
that they think in new and creative ways.
Universities make sure to engage their alumni on several different platforms and use means of
communication that help to connect larger groups of people.

M
S

2.5 SWOT Analysis

S
T
R
E
N
G
T
H
S

W
E
A
K
N
E
S
S
E
S

Aspects
Strong community
bond among
students and
faculty. St. Bede
values student and
alumni engagement
and is determined
to grow the
relationships even
further.
Some work has
been completed on
developing alumni
resources and
social media.
Lacking resources
and time to
strengthen the
alumni network and
directory.
St. Bede Seniors
are relatively
unaware of alumni
opportunities
available to them.

Implications
Allows for strong
relationships to
form among the
community and
students.

Possible Actions
Because the bonds in the community
are already so strong, the framework is
already in place to implement programs
and strategies to leverage the unique
community culture to help benefit St.
Bede in the future.

Some of the
groundwork has
been completed
which makes it a bit
easier for St. Bede
to keep working to
grow their platforms.
There are many
alumni whose
information is
unaccounted for.

Explore the idea of hiring a student intern


and/or a full-time coordinator to assist St.
Bede with social media management and
alumni resources.

Can affect Senior


involvement in their
post high school
lives. They may be
less inclined to stay
engaged with St.
Bede.

Construct an effective program that will


teach students the importance of alumni
engagement.

Develop a more effective system for


gathering alumni contact information.

M
S

2.5 SWOT Analyis Continued

O
P
P
O
R
T
U
N
I
T
I
E
S

T
H
R
E
A
T
S

Aspects
Opportunity to
capitalize on
the tight knit
relationships built at
St. Bede.

Implications
Alumni value their
experiences at St.
Bede and wish to
revisit the campus.

Possible Actions
Create opportunities in addition to
homecoming for alumni to come back to
campus and network with students and
fellow alumni.

Education
opportunity for
graduating seniors
to become familiar
with LinkedIn and
add St. Bede to
their network.

Connects recent
Work on developing a class or program
grads with past
for seniors to take before they graduate
grads for networking from St. Bede.
opportunities and
allows for St. Bede
to track the growth
and development of
their alumni.

Varying ages and


life experiences of
alumni.

Explore the idea of surveying different


age groups and the amount of
communication they would like from St.
Bede.

St. Bede must


find the balance
between over
communication
and sparse
communication.
Relationships
Bruin Alumni may
graduates build with not feel motivated
their post-secondary to stay engaged
institution.
with St. Bede. The
Alumni pool may
decrease and
St. Bede could
potentially struggle
to benefit from their
resources.

Push the importance of keeping a close


connection to St. Bede and how much
they are valued to the school.

M
S

2.6 Possible and Actual Target Publics


Possible publics are recent graduates, current seniors, future graduates, parents of alumni,
and international students.
This campaign will specifically target alumni from the 1980 graduating class to the recent
class of 2015.
The campaign will also target seniors preparing for graduation, parents of seniors and recent
alumni, and Kinglee International High School students and Alumni.

2.7 Segmented Publics


Male and female graduates of the 1980s
Male and female graduates of the 1990s
Male and females graduates of the 2000s
Male and female graduates of 2010-2015
Male and female future graduates of classes 2016-2019 in the LaSalle-Peru, Ill. area
Parents of classes of the 1990s-2000s
Parents of classes of 2010-2019
The international students who have graduated since 1980
The international students who will graduate between 2016-2019

2.8 Key Message Platform


Mission Statement
Saint Bede Academy is a Catholic high school in the Benedictine tradition which endeavors
to prepare students for college and for life by welcoming them into a community of learning
permeated by Christian values.
Vision Statement
U.I.O.G.D. Ut In Omnibus Glorificetur Deus In all things may God be glorified

M
S

10

2.8 Key message platform continued


Positioning Statement
St. Bede Academy is the only non-profit private school in the area that provides students with
quality education training while also providing a safe place for everyone to practice their faith.
While St. Bede is a Catholic school, their curricula is non-denominational and is open to all
faiths. The students are competitive in their grades with an 100 percent graduation rate, and
98 percent of those graduates moving on to practice higher education. St. Bede offers many
extra curricular activities for students to participate in, which helps them become well-rounded
individuals post-grad. St. Bede is considered a second home by its esteemed alumni who
share unforgettable memories of times spent on its 200 acres of beautifully wooded land,
and Sundays in a unique monastery home to 32 Benedictine monks. The monks play a very
special and unique role in St. Bedes success because they have lived through generations of
students, and continue to live on the grounds to teach their faith to the children of St. Bedes
alumni, and their children after that. The monks deeply care about the students well-being and
have maintained close relations with many graduates. Public schools surrounding the area
cannot compete with St. Bedes family-like atmosphere where graduates and current students
will always have a place to call home.
Key Messages
Teaching staff and environment is not like anywhere else. It is a tight-knit community within
the school where the students are more than just a name.
St. Bede strongly values their relationships with students, both past and present, and
continues to develop and work to strengthen these bonds.
Supporting Statements
St. Bede Academys rich history in education has created an 100 percent record of students
attending post-secondary schooling.
Faculty and staff meet each student and welcome students into school every morning. They
show dedication to their students during and outside of class, involvement in extracurricular
activities, and during school events.
St. Bede has 85% of students involved in two or more sports and 97% of students involved in
one of their 20 sports or 25 clubs.
Students at St. Bede Academy are committed to the school and are invested in their
experience and improving the campus culture and image as made apparent by the strong
interest in the ambassador program. Therefore, the basis for continuing these strong bonds
post graduation is already in place.

M
S

11

3. Planning: Objectives, Strategies, Tactics & Evaluation


This section provides the setup and planning of objectives based on our research from
the previous alumni relations campaigns developed by nonprofit Catholic high schools in
Illinois and public universities. These objectives will allow St. Bede to further develop and
maintain relationships with alumni. Connections with alumni is vital to St. Bede in order to
preserve the long-standing tradition.

Objective 1: Develop and implement an effective system for gathering alumni data
(both past and recent) by December of 2016.

Strategy 1 (July 1, 2016 start date): Alumni and Communication Coordinator


Tactic 1: Create full-time position to support St. Bede Academy in the areas of Alumni
Relations, Development, and Public Relations with a focus on digital communication.
Coordinator will serve as a supervisor to the Communication intern (SEE APPENDIX A).
Measurement for Coordinator: Report to Julia Yaklich, Development Director, bi-monthly
for the first 6 months of holding the position to evaluate performance. Record number of
media impressions from Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and compare them to previous
numbers and goals made for social media campaigns. The coordinators success will
be measured by increase in the number of alumni information updated and recorded.
Success will also be measured by social media presence and total engagement on web
as well as the execution and evaluation of the Homecoming event.
Strategy 2 (September 1, 2016): St. Bede Communication and Alumni Relations Intern
Tactic 1: Continue to work with Illinois Valley Community College or Illinois State
University to utilize their students to help St. Bede Academy manage both social media
and Alumni Relations. The intern is expected to work 8-10 hours per week both remotely
and on St. Bedes campus. The intern must apply and interview for this position (SEE
APPENDIX B).
Measurement for Intern: Count the number of applications received within the first month of the
release. Measure the interns progress with check in meeting with supervisor during the first
month of work. Set goals for intern and monitor social media impressions and engagement as
well as keeping track of alumni contact information updates to measure the interns success.
Strategy 3 (May 2016): Alumni contact information update.
Tactic 1: Send a personalized email to all current alumni email addresses with a contact
form attached prompting them to update any information that may have changed (SEE
APPENDIX C).
Measurement for Alumni Email: Track the number of completed contact forms that are
returned to determine the response rate of the alumni.

M
S

12

3. Planning: Objectives, Strategies, Tactics & Evaluation

Objective 2: Increase alumni engagement (1980-Present) by 50% by December of 2016.


Strategy 1 (August 1, 2016 September 12, 2016): #BruinAlum
Tactic 1: Offer the incentive of a #BruinAlum T-Shirt for alumni (1980-Present) who
follow/like the St. Bede Facebook and Twitter pages (including the exclusive Alumni
Facebook page) and who share/retweet the #BriunAlum T-Shirt Giveaway Facebook/
Twitter post. (SEE APPENDIX D).
Measurement of #BruinAlum T-Shirt: Use Twitter and Facebook analytics to track number of
shares and retweets. Track the number of t-shirts given away. This incentive will be monitored by
the Alumni and Communication Coordinator and their Intern.
Strategy 2 (October - November 2016): Social media - Create a hashtag contest using the
#BruinAlum hashtag. Build upon their existing follower base by increasing posts and engagement
with a planned social media calendar, push the created hashtag #BruinAlum on all relevant posts.
Tactic 1: Boost/repost/retweet/regram of memories from the contest using the
#BruinAlum Hashtag for St. Bede alumni. For the month of October, alums who post
a memory and photo of themselves wearing the #BruinAlum shirt or hashtag before
November 1, 2016 will be entered in a drawing to win a St. Bede sweatshirt (SEE
APPENDIX E).
Measurement of Contest: Track the number of overall entries made on all involved platforms
to measure success. Use Twitter and Facebook Analystics along with Iconosquare to track
conversation. This contest will be monitored by the Alumni and Communication Coordinator and
their Intern.
Tactic 2: Include #BruinAlum on any and all relevant social media posts on Facebook,
Twitter, and Instagram (SEE APPENDIX F).
Measurement of #BruinAlum Usage: Use Twitter and Facebook analytics along with Iconosquare
to measure the use of the hashtag on various platforms.This will be monitored by the Alumni and
Communication Coordinator and their Intern.

M
S

13

3. Planning: Objectives, Strategies, Tactics & Evaluation

Objective 3: To increase awareness among St. Bede seniors regarding alumni and networking
opportunities by 75% by May of 2017.

Strategy 1 (August - May 2017): Educate current seniors about becoming involved with the
alumni association in their post-grad years.
Tactic 1: Send all seniors a personalized email 6 weeks prior to graduation providing
them with basic information regarding the alumni association and outlining the process
of how to become involved. The email will contain a Class of 2017 contact form where
students can input their personal information (phone, email, address) for St. Bede to keep
for their records. A link to the survey will also be provided on the St. Bede Facebook page.
(SEE APPENDIX G).
Measurement for Senior Email: Track the number of completed contact forms that are returned to
determine the response rate of the Class of 2017.
Tactic 2: Update the care packages that are sent to seniors as an incentive for students
who submit and complete the Class of 2017 contact form. The care packages that are
sent to seniors will be completely updated with new goodies and supplies. Seniors will
receive the care package within their first week of college at their new address (SEE
APPENDIX H).

Measurement for care packages: Track the number of updated care packages that are sent to
seniors.
Tactic 3: Host a monthly Lunch and Learn for seniors and St. Bede alumni. Invite alumni
to return for a lunch period with interested seniors where they are able to network and ask
any questions regarding the alumni association, career opportunities, college preparation,
life in college, and other topics (SEE APPENDIX I).
Measurement for Lunch and Learn: Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each session to
see how many students are using this resource.

M
S

14

3. Planning: Objectives, Strategies, Tactics & Evaluation

Objective 3: To increase awareness among St. Bede seniors regarding alumni and networking
opportunities by 75% by May of 2017.

Strategy 2 (May 2017): Create a day during the final week of classes for seniors to learn career
development and networking skills for post graduation life. Titled: Senior Networking Showdown.
Tactic 1: Provide break out sessions throughout the day to educate and inform seniors
on topics involving career development and networking with the alumni association.
LinkedIn workshop, Cover Letter/Resume workshop, Introduction to Interviews, Finding
the Right Career Path, Making the Most of Your Four Years, College Living 101, and St.
Bede Alumni Association 101.
Tactic 2: Provide breakfast and luncheon buffet in between workshops.
Tactic 3: Create a Senior Showdown LinkedIn Competition that takes the skills the seniors are learning in their breakout sessions and helps them to gain points. Each student
will create a LinkedIn Profile and whichever student ends the day with the most connections and endorsements will win a #BruinAlum T-Shirt and a $200 Target gift card. (For all
of the above tactics: SEE APPENDIX J).
Measurement for Senior Showdown: Develop and distribute a quantitative survey to all seniors in
a common class about their readiness for graduation following the Senior Networking Showdown.

M
S

15

4. Timeline
In order for St. Bede to implement our tactics a timeline and budget was created to
demonstrate the execution of this campaign. Further detail was provided as to how we
would measure and evaluate the success of these tactics originally proposed in Section
Set 2.

M
S

16

4. Timeline

M
S

17

18

M
S
$0.00

Survey Strategy:
Tactic: Send email of survey to current seniors

$7,327.28
$2,672.72

COMPARISONS
Investmnent v. Expense

3 hours
30 min.

Tactic: Breakfast & Luncheon Catering


$1,518.48
Tactic: Incentive for Senior Networking Showdown $200.00

TOTAL

6 hours

$200.00

Tactic: Senior Workshops

3 hours per month

1 hour per month


4 hours per month

$1,200.00

$0.00
$0.00

6 hours

3 hours

1 hour

NOTES

Order small trays from Hyvee once a month for the 2016-2017
school year. Do not exceed $100 per month in order to stay
within the alotted budget.
https://www.hy-vee.com/webres/File/Peru-2015-catering-book.pdf
Workshop materials (handouts, if necessary)
Pick 6 breakfast: $683.24 & Pick Two Entree: $835.24
https://www.hy-vee.com/webres/File/Peru-2015-catering-book.pdf
Target or Bed Bath & Beyond gift card

St. Bede Staff, Event Volunteers and


Alumni, Dr. Smudde
HyVee Staff: Prep
St. Bede Staff/Event Volunteers: Pick- up
St. Bede Staff/ Event Volunteers: Pick-up

$17 per care package; $10 ea. shipping, 76 pkgs (subject to change)
Presentation during lunch hour during the first Tuesday of each month,
beginning in September and ending in May.

USPS

USPS Flat-rate shipping

Creative Apparel Spring Valley, IL - 75 Sm, 154 Med,


154 Lrg, 77 xLrg, 50 xxLrg, 10 xxxLrg**
(815) 664-4231

Set a budget per day per customized post


https://www.facebook.com/business/learn/how-much-facebook-ads-cost
(September 1 to October 31, 2016)

Twitter & Facebook analytics

Editing and sending emails, keep track of contact forms completed

Reviewing applications, interviewing and hiring

To be determined

NOTES

This budget was provided by St. Bede Academy.


It is not related to its organizational budget.

HyVee Staff: Prep


St. Bede Staff/Event Volunteers: Pick- up

Alumni Relations Coordinator


Alumni Relations Coordinator

Alumni Relations Coordinator


Alumni Relations Coordinator
and Communications Intern

Alumni Relations Coordinator


and Communications Intern
Alumni Relations Coordinator
and Communications Intern

Creative Apparel, Spring Valley, IL

7-10 business days


per order
24 hours
6 hours

Communicaitons Intern

Alumni Relations Coordinator &


Communications intern (when hired)
Alumni Relations Coordinator &
Communications intern (when hired)

Alumni Communications Coordinator

Alumni Communications Coordinator

N/A

ACCOUNTABILITY

1 hour per week

3 hours

Prepare for lunch and learn (day of)


Event Strategy: "Senior Networking Showdown"

Tactic: Lunch and learn


Contact potential guest speakers via phone/email

Tactic: Update Care packages & Shipping


$1,860.50

$20.00

Mail St. Bede gear

Objective 3

$0.00

$1,828.30
$0.00

Create 520 #BruinAlum t-shirts


Receive payment from alumni who need shipping

Have winners pick up #BruinAlum t-shirts

$500.00

Tactic: Boost Facebook posts

$0.00

Track likes, shares, follows


Social Media Strategy

1/2 hour per day

3 hours

$0.00

$0.00

N/A
20 hours

N/A

HOURS

$0.00

TOTAL

$10,000.00
$10,000.00

Tactic: Post contest to social media accounts

#BruinAlum Strategy:

Objective 2

Position Strategy:
Tactic: Hire Alumni/Communications Coordinator
Position Strategy:
Tactic: Hire Communications Intern
Email Strategy:
Tactic: Email alumni to update their contact info

Objective 1

EXPENSES

Strategic Plan Investment


TOTAL

TOTAL

Bruin Reconnect Budget ~ 2016-2017

INCOME

5. Budget

6. References
Anyangwe, E. (2012, June 27). Alumni relations in a changing higher education sector.
Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/higher-education-network/blog/2012/jun/27/
changing-alumni-rel
Carmel Catholic Alumni - Alumni Community Home. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.
corsairalumni.org/s/402/GID1001/start.aspx?gid=1001&pgid=61
Catholic College Prep High School | Resurrection College Prep High School. (n.d.). Retrieved
October 27, 2015, from http://www.reshs.org
Communication Specialist Job Description. (2015). Oklahoma State University. Retrieved from
https://okstate.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=702
Engaging Alumni: Cedarville Universitys 5.15 Challenge - Activate Alumni. (2014, June 2).
Retrieved October 27, 2015, from http://activatealumni.com/engaging-alumni-cedarvilleuniversitys-5-15-challenge/
Giardinelli, A. (2007, January 22). Swarthmore College Surpasses Campaign Goal of $230
Million. Retrieved October 26, 2015, from http://www.swarthmore.edu/news-archive-2006-2007/
swarthmore-college-surpasses-campaign-goal-230-million ations
Home Page - Saint Viator High School. (n.d.). Retrieved October 27, 2015, from http://www.
saintviator.com/home St. Bede Academy. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.st-bede.com/[RH2]
Supporting EducationThe Importance of Alumni Relations. Supporting Education. 10 Jan.
2013. Web. 5 Oct. 2015. http://www.supportingeducation.org/2013/01/10/importance-alumnirelations/
Sweeny, V. (2011, November 4). Digital connections to alumni: A fundraising campaign via
social media. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/higher-education-network/blog/2011/
nov/04/social-media-fundraising-campaign?
The Bucky Challenge. (n.d.). University of Wisconsin. Retrieved http://buckychallenge.wisc.
edu/

M
S

19

7. Appendices
Appendix A
Alumni and Communication Coordinator
St. Bede Academy is seeking an Alumni and Communication Coordinator to produce
strategic alumni and development communications with a digital public relations focus.
Responsibilities:
Support St. Bede Academys communication goals by contributing to communication,
marketing and alumni outreach efforts through social media and online channels from St.
Bede Academy to prospective students and their families, current students, alumni, fans,
donors and other internal and external populations throughout the academic year.
Develop strategies, content and manage editorial calendar for current St. Bede Academy
social media sites. Monitor and engage key audiences on all digital platforms. Evaluate
website and social media analytics and implement new strategies to improve key metrics.
Coordinate and manage special alumni events and fundraisers, such as Homecoming
and its social media promotions.
Continually update alumni database and develop plan to research and find Alumni
through multiple communication avenues.
Assist in the development of new St. Bede Academy website
Write copy for website, emails, publication and press releases.
Demonstrate self-direction, creativity and strategic thinking in managing St. Bede
Academys presence on the social web.
Supervise Communication and Alumni Relations intern and collaborate on alumni
relations and special event planning throughout year.
Skills and Qualifications:
Bachelors degree in communication, journalism, marketing, public relations or related
field.
1-3 years of professional experience in social media management, alumni relations or
nonprofit public relations.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and social media networks including Facebook,
Twitter, Linkedin and other social media platforms.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Knowledge of Associated Press style writing as well as technical writing
Self-starter with strong organizational stills are essential.
Experience with research, website content management or Constant Contact a plus.
To apply, send cover letter, resume and references in one PDF to supervisor, Julia
Yaklich, Development Director, jyaklich@st-bede.com, (815) 250-0359

20

Appendix B
Communication and Alumni Relations Intern
St. Bede Academy is seeking a Communication and Alumni Relations Intern to assist in
the production of strategic alumni and development communications with a digital public
relations focus. This internship position will work along side and report to the Alumni and
Communication Coordinator in the event planning of fundraisers and special events, social
media and alumni relations.
Responsibilities:
Promote online presence by drafting social media posts for Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
weekly
Assist with fundraising planning, events, and marketing
Update and manage alumni database
Collaborate with Alumni and Communication Coordinator in the development of St. Bede
Academy website
Write copy for website, emails, publication and press releases.
Skills and Qualifications:
Undergraduate student studying Communication, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism,
English or related field.
Experience in social media management
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Self-starter, creative with strong organizational stills
Experience in non-profit public relations is a plus
Additional Information:
Internship available for credit.
Academic Terms Available: summer, spring and fall
Minimum hours required: 8-10 hours/week with flexibility in scheduling. Interns have the option
to work both remotely and/or in the office.
To apply, send cover letter and resume to Julia Yaklich, Development Director,
jyaklich@st-bede.com, (815) 250-0359

21

Appendix C

Alumni Information Email


The email below will be sent to individual alumnus as a reminder to update contact
information. This email will be sent May 31, 2016 to all alumni on record. The goal of
this email is to have alumni respond with updated contact information before the 20162017 school year begins at St. Bede Academy. There is a link provided at the end of
this email to direct alumni to update their contact information on a Google Form. In addition, the link will be accessible within the St. Bede Academy Facebook group.
Saint Bede Academy
(815) 223-3140
Peru, Illinois

May 31, 2016


Dear, (Addressed Alumnus)
My name is (name of Alumni and Communication Coordinator) and I am the Alumni and
Communication Coordinator at St. Bede Academy. I am reaching out today to share with you
the importance of updating your current contact information.
To ensure you benefit most from the wonderful opportunities provided to St. Bede Academy
alumni, please fill out and send back the attached form at your earliest convenience.
Saint Bede Academy is where always you belong.
Best,
(Name of Alumni and Communication Coordinator)
Go Bruins!
Please click here to provide your information.

22

Appendix C

Alumni Information Google Form Survey

Alumni Information Google Form Survey

23

Appendix D
#BruinAlum T-shirt Incentive
Alumni will be encouraged to stay connected through social media through a free #BruinAlum
T-shirt incentive. Alumni are encouraged to follow St. Bede Academys Twitter account, like the
St. Bede Academy Facebook page, or like the St. Bede Academy Alumni Association Facebook
page. The message about this opportunity will be conveyed through a post on the St. Bede
Academy website, and through posts on the social media sites listed above informing alumni
about the incentive. If alumni like or follow the accounts and then share the #BruinAlum T-shirt
Giveaway they will be provided with a T-shirt. Each communication method will contain a picture
of the T-Shirt design. Alumni who receive shirts will be responsible for picking them up from St.
Bede Academy or paying for the shipping on their own to the address that they have provided.
There is a limit of one T-Shirt per alum. Only 500 T-Shirts will be distributed to those who
complete the #BruinAlum T-shirt Giveaway.

Facebook Post-St. Bede Academy Alumni Page-Twitter Post

24

Appendix E
Appendix J - Organic boosting of the hashtag #BruinAlum
Organic Boosting of #BruinAlum
The purpose of organically boosting the hashtag #BruinAlum is to engage alumni into using the
The purpose of organically boosting the hashtag #BruinAlum is to engage alumni into using the
hashtag themselves and get it trending on social media. St. Bede will post the hashtag on relhashtag themselves and get it trending on social media. St. Bede will post the hashtag on relevant
evant posts on their Facebook pages, Twitter, and Instagram. Examples of posts and copy are
posts on their Facebook pages, Twitter, and Instagram. Examples of posts are included below.
included below.
Ex. Instagram Post:
Ex. Instagram Post:
[Feature a picture of a Bruin alum wearing the T-Shirt - this could be a staff member or an
alreadyofactive
alumnus]
[Feature a picture
a Bruin
alum wearing the T-Shirt - this could be a staff member or an already
active alumnus]
Visit our website to find out how to get your very own #BruinAlum T-Shirt!
Visit our website to find out how to get your very own #BruinAlum T-Shirt!
Ex. Facebook Post:
Ex. Facebook Post:
[Feature a picture of a Bruin alum wearing the T-Shirt - this could be a staff member or an
already active alumnus]
[Feature a picture of a Bruin alum wearing the T-Shirt - this could be a staff member or an already
active alumnus]
[Insert name] looking good in their brand new #BruinAlum T-Shirt! See our website for details
on how to get your own!
[Insert name] looking good in their brand new #BruinAlum T-Shirt! See our website for details on
how to get your own!
Ex. Twitter Posts:
Ex. Twitter Post:
Example 1

Example 2

25

Appendix F

Social Media #BruinAlum Contest


Appendix I - Social Media #BruinAlum Contest

A hashtag contest will be held in order to build upon existing follower base by increasing
A hashtag
be held in alumni
order towho
buildpost
upona existing follower base by incr
posts and social media engagement.
For thecontest
monthwill
of October,
socialthe
media
engagement.
For
month on
of October,
alumni who post a memo
memory and photo of themselves and
wearing
#BruinAlum
shirt
orthe
hashtag
Facebook
of
themselves
wearing
the
#BruinAlum
shirt
or
hashtag
on
Facebook or Twitter be
or Twitter before November 1, 2016 will be entered in a drawing to win a St. Bede
November
1,
2016
will
be
entered
in
a
drawing
to
win
a
St.
sweatshirt. St. Bede Academys Facebook and Twitter accounts can share and retweet Bede sweatshirt. St. Be
Academys Facebook and Twitter accounts can share and retweet the alumni posts
the alumni posts.
St. Bede Academy Facebook Post:St. Bede Academy Facebook Post:

Alumni! Post
a picture
in your
#BruinAlum
T-Shirt
with your favorite St. Bede Me
Alumni! Post a picture in your #BruinAlum
T-Shirt
with your
favorite
St. Bede
Memory
Nov.
1
for
a
chance
to
win
a
free
St.
Bede
Sweatshirt!
Dont forget #BruinAlum
before Nov. 1 for a chance to win a free St. Bede Sweatshirt! Dont forget #BruinAlum
St. Bede Academy Alumni Association
Facebook
Post:
St. Bede
Academy
Alumni Association Post:

Alumni! Post
a picture
in your
#BruinAlum
T-Shirt
with your favorite St. Bede Me
Alumni! Post a picture in your #BruinAlum
T-Shirt
with your
favorite
St. Bede
Memory
Nov.
1
for
a
chance
to
win
a
free
St.
Bede
Sweatshirt!
Dont forget #BruinAlum
before Nov. 1 for a chance to win a free St. Bede Sweatshirt! Dont forget #BruinAlum
St. Bede Academy Twitter Post:

St. Bede Academy Twitter Post:

26

Appendix G
Personalized email to graduating seniors
Six weeks prior to graduation, seniors will be sent an email containing information about their
post-graduation experience with St. Bede. They will be provided information regarding the
alumni association as well as with a contact form where they will be able to input their new
information for St. Bede to keep for their records. The link to complete the survey will be a
Google Form, which will be embedded in the message. A link to the form will also be shared on
the official St. Bede Facebook page for those students who may not frequently visit their inbox.
Below is the email and contact form that will be sent to graduating seniors:

Saint Bede Academy


(815) 223-3140
Peru, Illinois

April, 14 2017
Dear (Students Name),
Congratulations! Graduation is just around the corner. We are so proud of all that you have
accomplished during your time at St. Bede. As you move on to the next phase of your academic
and personal life, we encourage you to reflect on your experiences and the four years that you
have spent with us.
The St. Bede Academy Alumni Association is organized to promote a continuing interest in and
support of the educational program, mission and life of St. Bede Academy among its members.
We hope that you plan to become an active member of this association in the coming years.
As you prepare to become an alumnus of St. Bede, we ask you to provide us with some basic
information so that we may contact you after your time as a current St. Bede student comes to
a close.
It is our hope that we see each of you within our halls again in the near future and we cannot
wait to see how much you accomplish in this next phase of your life!
Again, Congratulations! And Go Bruins!
Please click here to provide your information.

27

Appendix G
Class of 2017 Google Form Survey that will be sent to seniors

28

Appendix H
Update Care Packages
How to order
items in
from
Walmart:
Appendix
C bulk
Update
Care
Packages

1.Know exactly how many students have updated their contact information (this will
How to order items in bulk from Walmart:

be the
quantity)
1. Know exactly how many students have updated their contact information (this will be the quantity)

2.Go to Walmart at least three weeks in advance.
2. Go to Walmart at least three weeks in advance.

3.Ask for3.assistant
manager at customer service counter about ordering items in
Ask for assistant manager at customer service counter about ordering items in bulk.

bulk. 4. Tell the assistant manager what you would like to purchase and how many.

4.Tell the5. assistant
manager
what
you
would
like to purchase and how many.
Pay the price
plus tax and
keep
receipt
for records.

5.Pay the
and keep
receipt
records.
6. price
In twoplus
days tax
to a week,
Walmart
will callfor
when
the order is ready. Bring your receipt to customer service

6.In two days
to
a
week,
Walmart
will
call
when
the order is ready. Bring your re
center (may need to pick items up at loading dock).

ceipt to customer service center (may need to pick items up at loading dock).
*Subject to Change

Items

*76 x Price = $
$301.72

$72.96

$120.08

$226.48

$302.48

Total + tax:

$1,100.50

Packaging & Shipping:

Order three 25-count and one 10-count small flat-rate priority mail boxes from:
https://store.usps.com/store/browse/uspsProductDetailMultiSkuDropDown.jsp?productId=P_SMALL_FRB

Shipping cost:
$10 each or
$760 total
(subject to
change)

29

Appendix I
Senior Lunch and Learn Sessions
Senior Lunch and Learns are sessions that will take place during the allotted lunch periods that
students have been assigned. These sessions will provide current seniors with the opportunity to
connect and chat with St. Bede alumni from various age groups to ask them questions regarding
the alumni association, career opportunities, college preparation, life in college, and any other
topics they are interested in. Students will be responsible for bringing their own lunch to the
session, which will take place at one of the cafeterias 27 tables. The table will be marked with a
sign to indicate that it is reserved for the two lunch periods that the students are in the cafeteria.
Because seniors do not leave campus during their lunch period, this is the perfect opportunity
for them to engage with alumni in a causal and comfortable environment. As each table in the
cafeteria only seats eight people, seven students will be permitted at each session. It will be a
first come first serve basis to attend the session. At the beginning of the session an attendance
sheet will be passed around asking for the names and email addresses of each student who is
there. Alumni will volunteer to come speak with seniors and will be notified of these sessions via
email. St. Bede can reach out to alumni who are significantly involved with the school or who
have made a large impact there to come speak to seniors during this time. There will be one
session per month, but more can be added should the interest and demand grow quickly. Below
are details and samples of Senior Lunch and Learn promotion:
Flyers will be hung throughout St. Bede, especially in the cafeteria, to make seniors aware of
these upcoming sessions.
Alumni will be notified about the upcoming sessions and need for volunteers via email.

Senior Lunch and Learn Session


September 6, 2016
Sign-In Sheet
Name
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Email Address

30

Appendix I
Email to Alumni for Senior Lunch and Learn volunteers:

Saint Bede Academy


(815) 223-3140
Peru, Illinois

Dear (Addressed Alumnus),


We would like to inform you of an exciting new program that we have designed for our senior
class: Senior Lunch and Learn Sessions. This engaging new idea will help to provide our
graduating seniors with more information about our Alumni Association, help to prepare them
for college, and encourage them to build relationships with their fellow Bruins.
Senior Lunch and Learn Sessions will take place during our students regularly scheduled lunch
periods. In groups of eight, students will have the opportunity to ask questions and network
with St. Bede alumni while enjoying their daily lunch. It is our hope that this relaxed and casual
environment will help build relationships and make our students feel more at ease when asking
questions about life after St. Bede.
We would love to see many of you return to our halls and have the chance to connect with our
current senior class. If you are interested in facilitating one of these sessions, please contact us
at (815) 223-3140.
Thank you and Go Bruins!

31

&

SENIORS! GET TO KNOW ST. BEDE ACADEMY ALUMNI

AND HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ASK QUESTIONS OVER LUNCH!

h
c
n

u
L

Learn
First Tuesday of Every Month!

[ September 6, October 4, November 1, December 6, 2016 ]


During Scheduled Lunch Period
First Come, First Serve
PRESENTED BY:

ST. BEDE ACADEMY & THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Appendix J
Senior Networking Showdown
St. Bede will host a day titled Senior Networking Showdown, during the final week
of classes for seniors to learn career development and networking skills for postgraduation life.
This showdown is mandatory for all seniors while taking place of a regular class day.
The Senior Networking Showdown is limited to seniors of St. Bede Academy, faculty
and staff, alumni, as well as local business owners and volunteers. Throughout the
day seniors will be invited to attend breakout sessions to educate and inform them
on topics involving career development and networking with the alumni association.
The breakout sessions will include LinkedIn workshop, Cover Letter/Resume
workshop, Introduction to Interviews, Finding the Right Career Path, Making the
Most of Your Four Years, College Living 101, and St. Bede Alumni Association 101.
The breakout sessions will be hosted by St. Bede Academy staff, Dr. Smudde from
Illinois State University, as well as any alumni and volunteers.
Throughout the day there will be a LinkedIn Competition that will take the skills
the seniors are learning in their breakout sessions and encourage them apply it in
their lives. Each senior will create a LinkedIn profile during the LinkedIn workshop,
and whichever student ends the day with the most connections and endorsements
will win a #BruinAlum T-shirt and a $200 Target or Bed Bath & Beyond gift card to
provide seniors with the trendiest dorm necessities for the upcoming fall semester.
The gift card will be promoted to purchase any school related items since almost half
of St. Bede students attend Illinois Valley Community College upon graduation.
See below for a tentative schedule and event advertising.

33

Appendix J
LinkedIn Competition during Senior Networking Showdown
The host of the LinkedIn Workshop will be in charge of explaining the competition to
the seniors. There will also be other volunteers in the computer lab(s) to aid in helping
the students begin creating their profiles. The students will learn what connections and
endorsements are as well as the importance of them in the world of networking. Seniors
will be encouraged to add St. Bede to their current place of education, as well as joining the
St. Bede Academy Alumni group. They will also be told to keep their cell phones on them
during the remainder of the day. The students will first create their profiles on a computer
and will be allowed to begin receiving connections and endorsements as soon as the host
is finished explaining the logistics. The seniors will only be allowed to be on their phones
using the LinkedIn application during the 10 minute passing periods between sessions as
well as during lunch if they choose to. After the Making the Most of Your Four Years session
any students who thinks they have a significant amount of connections and endorsements
will approach the judges, Tom McMunnigal and Julia Yaklich. Once they determine the
1 winner, they will announce him/her right before the St. Bede Alumni Association 101
session and will be granted the prizes of the gift card and t-shirt.

34

Appendix J

Senior Networking Showdown Schedule

7:50-8:20AM
Breakfast
Cafeteria
8:30-9:10AM
LinkedIn Workshop
Assigned computer lab(s) TBD

9:20-10:00AM
Cover Letter/Resume Workshop
Assigned computer lab(s) TBD

10:10-10:50AM
Finding the Right Career Path
Assigned classroom(s) TBD
11:00-11:30PM
Lunch
Assigned classroom(s) TBD
11:40-12:20PM
Introduction to Interviews
Assigned classroom(s) TBD
12:30-1:10PM
College Living 101
Assigned classroom(s) TBD

Complimentary buffet breakfast for all


in attendance from an outside catered
vendor (HyVee). This time will allow
students to begin networking with alumni,
teachers, as well as local volunteers right
at the start of the day.
Seniors will learn the ins and outs of
how to create and manage a LinkedIn
profile. They will also be informed on the
importance and benefits of networking
today. They will lastly be told about the
LinkedIn competition as well as tips on
how to update their profiles throughout
the rest of their professional development.
Focuses on educating seniors with the
basics of cover letters and resumes.
Students will be able to begin creating
their own resume as well as a mock up
cover letter for their dream job. They will
receive handouts via PDF to keep with
them to refer to in the future.
Broadly discuss the major areas of
careers in the professional world. Advice
will be given on how to select the right
major once entering college as well as a
Q&A to conclude.
There will be a complimentary lunch
provided from an outside catered vendor
(HyVee). At this time students will be able
to network in person and through their
LinkedIn profiles.
Focusing on interview tips, mock
interview situations, and interview dos
and donts will be performed during this
session. Seniors will also be informed
why it is important for them to be exposed
to these skills this early on.
Recent St. Bede alumni will come in to
give advice on college living and answer
any questions the students have.

1:20-2:00PM
Making the Most of Your Four
Years
Assigned classroom(s) TBD

Recent St. Bede alumni will share the


importance of making the most out of
your four years in college, or whichever
path students decide to take through
personal stories and advice.

2:10-2:40PM
St. Bede Alumni Association 101
Assigned classroom(s) TBD

Representatives from the Alumni


Association will speak on behalf of all
alums, informing seniors on how to join,
and be involved. During this time there
will also be a closing statement from
Tom and Julia thanking the seniors for
attending.

35

St. Bede Academy

and

T h e A l u m n i A ss o c i a t i o n

Hosts First Annual

Senior
Networking
Showdown
Friday, May 12 seniors have the opportunity to gain skills in career
development, networking, and learn from recent alumni through
workshops including:
LinkedIn Workshop
Cover Letter/Resume Building Workshop
Introduction to Interview
Finding the Right Career Path
Making the Most of Your 4 Years
College Living 101
Alumni Association 101

Featuring the...

LinkedIn

Competiton

The student with the highest amount of LinkedIn


connections and endorsements will win a $200 gift card to
Target and Limited Edition #BruinAlum t-shirt!

Appendix K
Millennial Solutions Questions
October 20, 2015
Phone interview
Tom McGunnigal (Admissions Director)
Jeanne Margherio (Development Team)
Tom McGunnigal
Student Ambassadors:
What do your current student ambassadors do?
Tom McGunnigal referred to the Student Ambassadors as his little minions as they are always
willing to help St. Bede with whatever task needs to be accomplished.
Help with events and tasks such as:

Chaplins day (ice breaker day)

Student Ambassadors have the very important role of helping with fall visits, giving

speeches, talking to prospective students, and helping run the visit. St. Bede Acadamy

visits 8th grade classes at 14 grade schools to help get information out about St.

Bede Academy where they push information about their Open Houses.

Spring visits to five catholic schools occur as well with the help of St. Bede Student Am

bassadors. The Student Ambassadors go with to the visit to 7th and 3rd graders to

interact with the students, play games, and get the word out about St. Bede early.

Student Ambassadors play a vital role in the St. Bede Acadmey Open Houses where

they give tours and put on skits for prospective students.

The Explore Test is a placement exam for all incoming freshman students. The Student

Ambassadors play a role in helping to run the distribution of the exam and offer support

to the students taking the exam.

St. Bede Academy has radio commercials that the Student Ambassadors help to create.

Student Ambassadors help send out post cards to 8th grade students at Christmas time

to keep in contact and stay in the minds of prospective students.

Student Ambassadors help support the marketing and promotion of St. Bede. They cre

ate new logos for different school functions and promote St. Bede through the events and

tasks they complete.

Ambassadors participate in a Little Brother/Sister Mentor program with other student

ambassadors. Mentors can have between 1 and 3 mentees.

How do they become one? Do they apply?

Students apply spring of sophomore year with an application form/written Interview.

They can only apply before their junior year. Students must have a GPA above a

2.5. In order to become a Student Ambassador, students must demonstrate detail

in writing and creativity. The second part of the application is an oral interview.

Of the current junior class, 54 students applied and 21 were chosen.

Of the current senior class, 21 students applied and 20 were chosen. However, they

currently have 18 senior ambassadors though as two were dismissed due to lack of

participation.

St. Bede Academy students show a strong interest in the student ambassador program.

37

Appendix K
What are the requirements?

*St. Ambassadors go through training once for 3-4 hours during summer break.

*The Student Ambassadors must participate in the events and program mentioned

previously or else they will be dismissed.
Lunch:
What are lunch periods like?

*Lunch consists is closed campus and consists of two different lunch periods of

usually 23 minutes each. The students eat in the cafeteria with a mix of students

from all classes (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior). The cafeteria consists of 27

round tables with eight chairs at each table.
Jeanne Margherio
Alumni:
How do you currently store alumni information?

*Alumni information is stored in a database that only St. Bede Academy has

access to. The database holds personal information of alumni consisting of alum

name, marital status, nickname, address, spouses information (if applicable), phone,

e-mail. The database also has a tab about donation information of each alum as well.

The database keeps track of how much an alum has donated and what fund the

donation went to. Sometimes the donor gets a say in where their funds go, but not

always.
How do you currently keep track of moving alumni?

*St. Bede Academy wont know if an alum moves until the next mailing occurs. St.

Bede Academy alum can update their own information on the St. Bedes

website. Reunions are the best and main source of keeping updated information,

though. Homecoming is a good time for them to gather information, as well.
What is the current year range of your alumni information?

*St. Bede Academy has information from the 1930s alumni to today. When St. Bede

Academy usually has the information correct when they have it.
What is your biggest problem with maintaining information on alum?

*Jeanne Margherio explained that when St. Bede alumni graduate from college,

St. Bede doesnt get updated information. They send a request for information

to parents house, but its not always a successful request.

38

Appendix L

Appendix L Secondary Research


Carmel
Catholic High School - Website
Secondary
Research
Carmel Catholic High School-Website

St. Viator High School

St. Viator High School

St. Viator High School

39

8. Letter of Transmittal

Millennial Solutions
TO: Tom McGunnigal & Julia Yaklich
FROM: Millennial Solutions
DATE: November 17, 2015
Dear Tom & Julia,
Millennial Solutions is pleased to present this public relations proposal to St. Bede Academy. At Millennial
Solutions, we are committed to creating solutions for organizations by engaging publics. We are fully
aware of the new age of communication and how to use it to the organizations advantage. St. Bede
Academy has noticed a lack of alumni engagement among graduates from the year 1980 to 2015. At
Millennial Solutions, we are confident that this campaign will help St. Bede Academy achieve its goal of
increasing alumni engagement.

The proposals main points are to update the contact information of alumni who graduated between 1980
and 2016 by increasing social media engagement, and to teach current seniors about the importance of
networking in a competitive environment.

Thank you for your time and the opportunity to share with you our proposal. We enjoyed working with St.
Bede Academy to create new, innovative ideas. Millennial Solutions sees that this strategic plan will
provide St. Bede Academy opportunities for future alumni engagements. We look forward to hearing from
you soon.

Sincerely,

Gabriela Avila

Ali Geary

Paige Meyers

Lily Nedland

M
S

40

Kimberly Sanden

Hannah Sheley

9. Contact Us

M il l e nnial S ol uti on s T e am
Gabriela Avila
Millennial Solutions
gvavila@ilstu.edu
847-612-0703

Alison Geary
Millennial Solutions
ajgeary@ilstu.edu
847-347-2247

Paige Meyers
Millennial Solutions
pemeyer@ilstu.edu
815-354-2798

Lily Nedland
Millennial Solutions
lanedla@ilstu.edu 224234-7554

Kimberly Sanden
Millennial Solutions
knsande@ilstu.edu
815-303-1594

Hannah Sheley
Millennial Solutions
hlshele@ilstu.edu
309-507-3204

M
S

41

Vous aimerez peut-être aussi