Alumni Engagement 2020 December 11, 2020
Posted by Mia Moody-Ramirez in : Uncategorized , trackbackThe Baylor Journalism, Public Relations & New Media Alumni Engagement committee was very busy during the 2019-20 academic year. Committee members planned various activities throughout the year to connect with alumni in meaningful ways. Prior to these efforts, alumni, faculty and staff reported feeling disconnected.
“Other than being in touch with a few alumni on Facebook and LinkedIn, we weren’t connected in a more meaningful way,” said senior lecturer Dr. Cassy Burleson.
Alumna Jenna Dewitt won this hat during a JPR&NM virtual reunion trivia contest.
This feeling ended after the committee met with Christie Harper of the Baylor Affinity Office. Committee members are: Bob Darden (chair), Bruce Gietzen, Mia Moody-Ramirez, Marlene Neill, Cassy Burleson, Margaret Kramer and Lanisa Tovar.
Harper helped the team generate several ideas for alumni engagement. Ideas included:
- Handwritten letters to alumni
- LinkedIn roundup shared on social media platforms
- Video updates from various alumni
- Virtual reunions
In December, the committee began discussing the logistics of hosting alumni reunions. Once the Covid-19 pandemic became evident, the team decided to take the reunions online.
“Making this shift was a stressful adjustment for everyone,” said Chair Mia Moody-Ramirez. “We wanted to continue our plans, so we looked at other options. It wasn’t ideal, but we made it work.”
In the end, virtual reunions provided a viable option. The department sponsored six events. The reunions were well-received by alumni who participated from all over the United States.
“We collected survey information on salary, hiring practices, tips for students, what we can do better,” said Dr. Marlene Neill. “This is valuable information for the department. We’re always looking for ways to improve. Our alumni are a good source of information.”
The department is planning to continue sponsoring reunions in the future, Moody-Ramirez said.
“It is our hope to be able to meet in person,” she said. “Only time will tell. But we are thankful to be able to connect.”
Future efforts include a tailgating at homecoming games, selling T-shirts and cultivating an affinity groups in various geographic locations. For more information on alumni affinity groups, please visit https://www.baylor.edu/alumni/connect/index.php?id=969692.
If you would like to get involved with our department, please email us what you are interested in helping with from the list below:
- Serve as a guest speaker (in person or virtually)
- Review student portfolios
- Review student projects
- Mentor students
- Hire an intern for the summer
- Hire an intern for the fall or spring semester
Contact information:
Mia Moody-Ramirez, Department of Journalism, Public Relations and New Media
Christie Harper, Baylor Alumni
Bob Darden, Alumni Engagement Chair
Cassy Burleson, Fundraising Chair
Comments»
no comments yet - be the first?