Inspiring young alumni through reunion scholarships
Abstract
This paper presents the creation and impact of the Young Alumni Reunion Annual Fund Scholarship Program at Washington and Lee University (W&L), a nationally ranked, private liberal arts institution located in Virginia. Developed in 2023 as part of the university’s Leading Lives of Consequence campaign, the initiative addresses a strategic challenge: how to meaningfully engage young alumni — particularly at the 5th and 10th reunion milestones — in leadership-level annual giving. Recognising that younger donors are motivated by authentic connection, visible impact and accessible entry points, the programme tied multi-year reunion giving to student scholarships, creating named, class-based awards for each cohort. Through cross-campus collaboration, peer-led outreach and digital-first marketing strategies, the pilot exceeded expectations. The Classes of 2014 and 2019 raised over US$230,000 in scholarship support, funding seven four-year awards for incoming students. The programme also increased participation, strengthened stewardship and deepened alumni–student connections. As the first known model of its kind in higher education, this paper offers a replicable approach for institutions seeking to align young alumni engagement with mission-driven fundraising and long-term donor pipeline growth. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/.
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Author's Biography
Erin Stringer is a major gifts officer for Women’s and Children’s Health at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Winston Salem, North Carolina. She previously served as Director of Reunion Giving at Washington and Lee University. She is an experienced non-profit fundraiser with over 14 years of success empowering causes, inspiring donor engagement and driving meaningful philanthropic impact. Her work blends strategic vision with a deep commitment to relationship-building, helping mission-driven organisations grow their reach and advance their goals through thoughtful giving programmes. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Catawba College.
Amanda Minix is the senior development writer at Washington and Lee University. She has spent more than 13 years developing communications and materials to support university development and advancement, including managing acknowledgment and donor recognition programmes, creating giving impact reports, writing campaign articles, developing case statements, and creating fundraising and stewardship pieces. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Longwood University.
Emily Pogue serves as a senior associate director of annual giving at Washington and Lee University, where she previously held the role of leadership annual giving officer. Before moving to higher education advancement two years ago, Emily led the strategic direction and execution of large-scale international trade promotion programmes for the U.S. Grains Council. She holds a bachelor’s degree in globalisation studies from Gettysburg College and a master’s degree in sociology and anthropology from King’s College London.
