Alumless

In this premiere episode of our new series, Alumless Takes, Ryan and Max Leisten discuss the evolving landscape of digital engagement, particularly in the context of alumni and donor relations. They explore the importance of simplicity in engagement strategies, the role of AI in enhancing connections, and the need for collaboration among university stakeholders to scale volunteerism effectively. Max emphasizes the significance of redefining volunteering and being open to change in advancement teams to better serve their constituents.

We're pleased to share with you this final "summer replay" episode of Alumless World with you. Stay tuned for a new episode of Alumless this Friday!

Not all universities are built on centuries of alumni tradition. In this episode, Ryan and Nicole sit down with Cheng Feng, Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations at Duke Kunshan University (DKU), to explore what it takes to build an advancement program from the ground up at one of China’s most innovative higher education partnerships. Cheng shares the origin story of DKU, a collaboration between Duke University, Wuhan University and the city of Kunshan, and reflects on what it means to operate in start-up mode.

The conversation explores the complexities of governance, the challenges of engaging a young alumni base and how DKU has built affinity and philanthropic support without long-standing traditions. Cheng also discusses how DKU serves as a kind of innovation lab for higher education in Asia and why entrepreneurial donors are drawn to the university’s liberal arts mission.

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor Protopia for supporting this episode. Find out more about their award-winning technology designed to make scaling engagement simple. Visit protopia.co/alumless for more details.

This episode was originally released on May 16, 2025.

We're pleased to share with you this wonderful "summer replay" episode of Alumless World with you. Stay tuned for a new episode of Alumless this Friday!

For this episode, Ryan and Nicole are joined by Hannah Fox, Director of Alumni Community, Careers and Network Development at Regent’s University, and Marie-Rose Delauzun, Head of Alumni Engagement at The Sutton Trust, for a conversation about failure, mission-driven work, and building engagement programs from the ground up. Hannah and Marie-Rose are the co-hosts of the podcast Trials and Errors, where they interview advancement professionals about the lessons they’ve learned from moments when things didn’t go according to plan.

They share stories from the show, reflect on their own experiences navigating alumni engagement in non-traditional institutions, and explore how failure has shaped their approaches to risk, innovation, and leadership. The conversation also covers mentorship, digital vs. in-person engagement, volunteer strategy, and how social mission can redefine advancement goals.

Special thanks to Protopia for sponsoring this episode. Visit protopia.co/alumless for more details about the technology that’s got everyone talking.

This episode was originally released on May 2, 2025.

We're pleased to share with you this wonderful "summer replay" episode of Alumless World with you. Stay tuned for a new episode of Alumless on August 29th!

On this episode, hosts Nicole and Ryan sit down with Dr. Serge Sych, Senior Lecturer and Pro-Rector for Stakeholder Engagement at the International Business School in Budapest, for a conversation about leading alumni engagement and institutional advancement during times of political disruption and uncertainty. Drawing on his experiences as Vice President for Alumni Relations at Central European University during the school’s forced relocation from Budapest to Vienna, Serge reflects on what it means to build a culture of engagement and philanthropy in a region where those traditions are still emerging—and in an environment that can shift dramatically due to politics and global events.

The episode explores Serge’s work in pioneering integrated alumni relations models, launching Central Europe’s first annual fund and reunion giving program, and mobilizing alumni support to defend academic freedom. From his research on the professional identities of alumni relations leaders to his current role as an educator and CASE/EAIE faculty member, Serge offers global insights for advancement professionals navigating complex institutional landscapes.

Special thanks to AlumniQ for sponsoring this episode. Visit alumniq.com for more details about their unique approach to boosting alumni events and volunteerism.

This episode was originally released on April 18, 2025.

We're pleased to share with you this wonderful "summer replay" episode of Alumless World with you. Stay tuned for a new episode of Alumless on August 29th!

In this episode, Ryan and Nicole welcome Emily Robin, Associate Dean for Advancement at London Business School, for a conversation about leading advancement in a global context. With experience spanning the U.S., France, and the UK, Emily shares insights into philanthropic cultures across different regions, strategies for building high-performing advancement teams, and how LBS is leveraging the “Forever Learning” approach to engage a diverse alumni base worldwide.

The discussion explores how institutions can balance global and local engagement, the role of digital transformation in advancement, and the emerging trends shaping the field of alumni and donor relations. Emily reflects on her leadership journey, her work with CASE, and the skills advancement professionals need to thrive in an international environment.

Special thanks to Protopia for sponsoring this episode. Visit protopia.co/alumless for more details about the technology everyone is talking about.

This episode was originally released on April 4, 2025.

We're pleased to share with you this wonderful "summer replay" episode of Alumless World with you. Stay tuned for a new episode of Alumless on August 29th!

In this episode, hosts Ryan and Nicole welcome Prince Louis Omolayo Adekola, Founder and CEO of Edvant Edge Africa, for a conversation about the evolving landscape of alumni engagement in West Africa. As a leader in international education and advancement, Louis brings unique insights from his work as a Regional Officer for the University of Sussex, his experience as a Chevening Scholar, and his leadership of The International Education Africa Summit & Awards.

The discussion explores how international student recruitment influences long-term alumni engagement, the key differences between Nigerian and UK university alumni networks, and the emerging trends shaping alumni relations across Africa. Louis also shares strategies for building alumni loyalty in globally dispersed communities, the role of social media in professional networking, and how cultural perspectives impact philanthropy and alumni giving patterns in West African institutions.

Special thanks to AlumniQ for sponsoring this episode. Visit alumniq.com for more details about their events-and-all technology that makes managing signature programs simple.

This episode was originally released on March 21, 2025.

Philanthropy has never been one-size-fits-all, and few understand that better than Carme Williams, Senior Consultant at Washburn McGoldrick. In this week's episode of Alumless, Carme joins Ryan and Chris to explore the history, strategy, and future of programs designed to engage and inspire women donors.

From her leadership at NC State to advising institutions nationwide, Carme shares why these initiatives matter and the unique ways women give compared to men. The conversation tackles both opportunities and headwinds — how to build a compelling business case, the role of peer influence, and navigating today’s political climate around identity-based programs.

Thanks to AlumniQ for being our presenting sponsor this week. Be sure to check out their event-and-all approach. Visit www.alumniq.com for more details.

We're pleased to share with you this wonderful "summer replay" episode of Alumless World with you. Stay tuned for a new episode of Alumless this Friday!

In this episode, Ryan and Nicole welcome Jo Gardner, Director of Alumni Engagement at Imperial College London, for a conversation about how global universities can effectively engage their alumni in institutional priorities. Our discussion explores the role of Imperial’s leadership and new strategic direction. Jo reflects on the unique challenges and opportunities of leading engagement for a highly dispersed alumni body and discusses how Imperial adapts its approach to different cultural expectations.

Ryan and Nicole also dive into the UK's state of advancement, highlighting emerging trends and concerns. Jo shares her insights on measuring success in alumni relations, how institutions can professionalize engagement strategies, and the importance of being nimble in adapting to generational shifts in alumni expectations.

Thanks to Protopia for sponsoring this episode. Visit protopia.co/alumless for more details on their revolutionary technology that’s got everyone talking.

This episode was originally released on March 7, 2025.

We're pleased to share with you this wonderful "summer replay" episode of Alumless World with you this week. Stay tuned for a new episode of Alumless next Friday!

In this episode, hosts Ryan and Nicole welcome Fadi Ghosn and Loreen Bahour from RCSI Medical University of Bahrain to explore the power of alumni ambassador programs to strengthen alumni engagement across borders. Fadi, the Head of Recognition, Careers, and Alumni, and Loreen, the Alumni Relations Team Lead, share their experiences developing and expanding RCSI Bahrain’s Alumni Ambassador Programme, which fosters connections among graduates in Bahrain, the UK, the USA, Kuwait, and Canada. The discussion highlights the selection process for alumni ambassadors and growth, the challenges of engaging alumni across multiple countries, and the strategies RCSI Bahrain uses to maintain a strong sense of community among graduates living abroad. Fadi and Loreen also reflect on how university leadership has championed this initiative and explore opportunities for future expansion.

Special thanks to AlumniQ for supporting this episode. Try out their events-and-all platform and schedule a demo at alumniq.com.

This episode was originally released on February 21, 2025.

Think you know what your alumni really want? The National Alumni Survey is challenging long-held assumptions and forcing advancement professionals to confront some uncomfortable truths. On this supersized special episode of Alumless, we’re digging into one of the most talked-about projects in advancement today: The National Alumni Survey. Ryan and Chris are joined by three powerhouse leaders behind the effort — Bonnie Devlin of Washburn McGoldrick, Howard Heevner of CMAC and UC Berkeley, and Sarah Kleeberger of Ruffalo Noel Levitz. Our panel will unpack what the survey is revealing about the state of alumni giving, engagement, and institutional connection. The conversation explores why the survey was launched, what findings have been most surprising, and how institutions are utilizing the insights. From generational giving patterns to the vital link between connection and generosity, this episode sheds light on how data can reframe our understanding of alumni behavior. A big thanks to our presenting sponsor, Protopia, for their support. Alumless listeners should learn more about the AI technology that’s winning awards and helping schools scale engagement through micro-volunteerism. Visit protopia.co/alumless.