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Undergraduate engagement is the engine that drives fund-raising
Journal of Education Advancement & Marketing,
3
(2),
188-197
(2018)
Abstract
This study used undergraduate alumni information from three private, Ohio-based universities over a ten-year period, 1995–2005, to determine what impact, if any, alumni demographics, fields of study and experiences in on-campus academic, social and athletic pursuits have on alumni donations. Information gathered from alumni included giving history, demographic information and undergraduate involvements. Astin’s theory of student involvement1 served as the study’s framework, and the study is believed to be the first application of this theory to alumni donation patterns. A significant finding from this study is that involvement in more than one on-campus academic, social or athletic pursuit was the greatest predictor of alumnus total donations, the study’s criterion variable. Future researchers may identify even more opportunities to target philanthropic opportunities among alumni — and to seed a philanthropic mind-set among current students — to ensure more effective donor campaigns and fund-raising initiatives.
Keywords: philanthropy; fund-raising; campaign; donors; alumni; Astin
The full article is available to subscribers to the journal.
Author's Biography
Tyson L. Pinion enjoys helping donors reach their philanthropic goals in life. Tyson is the Assistant Vice President for Advancement at the University of Findlay in Findlay, OH. His work at small private universities, local charities and larger state universities has led to closing millions of dollars in support for a variety of missions and purposes that make the world a better place. The transformational work and research he has committed to in the ‘fund-raising field’ has benefited rising stars in the field and has cultivated prosperity for future generations of philanthropists. A former student athlete, professor of leadership and a man with an entrepreneurial spirit, he has made his mission to inspire others to give back. His continued efforts to learn as well as educate the next generation of students, donors and fund-raisers will shape the way many think about the future of fund-raising and philanthropy. Tyson received his bachelor’s and master’s degree from Tiffin University and his doctoral degree from the University of Toledo.
