How do you transform Homecoming from “an event for alumni” to a community celebration highlighting the best aspects of a campus community? And can you do that with a beer in your hand while tailgating? This session will explore the data that is driving Homecoming in new directions, and a few best practices that are producing the return on investment administrators are looking for.

1. HOMECOMING: WHAT’S IN IT FOR US? A LOOK AT BEST PRACTICES Timothy State ’93, Executive Director of Alumni Programs & Special Projects, Lake Forest College Stephanie Epp, Ed.D. ’07, Executive Director of Alumni Relations, Illinois State University

5. Lake Forest Homecoming Today

24. STRATEGY: Realign the Committee

28. Lifestage Segmentation

30. LFC Homecoming RDI

32. Event Attendance and Giving Year Alumni Attend New or Increase Gift No Change Decrease Partic. Overall Partic. 2006 3.3% 38.9% 33.2% 27.9% 55.2% 26.7% 2007 2.8% 56.3% 21.8% 21.8% 55.7% 24.2% 2008 5.9% 47.0% 25.9% 27.1% 55.1% 29.5%

33. Event Attendance and Giving Year Alumni Attend New or Increase Gift No Change Decrease Partic. Overall Partic. 2006 3.3% 38.9% 33.2% 27.9% 55.2% 26.7% 2007 2.8% 56.3% 21.8% 21.8% 55.7% 24.2% 2008 5.9% 47.0% 25.9% 27.1% 55.1% 29.5% ’ 08 Bench 49.9% 37.8% 12.4%

35. Q17. Please indicate how much each of the following impacts your overall current opinion of the Illinois State University: No Impact Significant Impact Critical Impact Some Impact By Era

39. Online Promotion & Viral Marketing

40. Volunteers for Campus Spirit

43. Engage the Community