Cynthia Ironson’s Post

I've been off a campus for more than four years, but I still have a fervent wish around graduation time: I wish I'd found a way to make a list of every scholarship recipient who was graduating and get their post-commencement email address. Why? Yes, you can tell a good story about the impact of a scholarship gift from the perspective of a student recipient. A scholarship helps them attend the institution and reduces their need to take on debt to do so. But at that point, you're talking about potential -- not results. You can't talk about what the scholarship helped them *do* with their life. What experiences did they have? Who did they help with their expertise? How did their college degree change the trajectory of their life--and their family's? That's the true impact story of higher ed philanthropy: Not just opening the door to college, but opening the door to a life that can make a difference in the world. These stories can't be told while students are on campus, so you have to keep track of those alumni after they leave. Here's an invitation to my fellow advancement communicators to do something I always wanted to, but didn't: >Work with alumni and development colleagues to cultivate a scholarship alumni database. Alternatively, work together to find a way to denote scholarship-recipient status in your existing alumni record. Start now, with the Class of 2024. >Find a creative way to collect contact information for these alumni, or collaborate with campus partners who may be doing this work already. >Make a plan to check in with your scholarship alumni once a year, or even every two years. Keep a record of what they're up to and how they're doing. >Refer back to this living resource whenever you're in need of a story for a campaign close, to steward a donor, or even to confirm that an alum who's made big news benefited from a scholarship while a student at your institution. If you make this happen, let me know -- I'd love to know how it looks in action!

🎓 Missed the College Planning Summit? Here's Your Second Chance! The college admissions journey is no small endeavor—and there are things you must know. The College Planning Summit brought together top experts to share insider tips, actionable strategies, and tools to make the process smoother for families. 💡 Whether planning applications, exploring scholarships, or managing timelines, these sessions provide invaluable guidance to help your family succeed. 🎥 Replay the sessions today and take the first step toward college success: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e8r5eqDg ⏰ Don’t wait—the sooner you start, the more prepared you’ll be. #CollegePlanning #AdmissionsSuccess #FutureLeaders #LinkedInLearning

Celebrate our 25th year anniversary by donating this year during UConn Gives Days! Donating to First Year Programs, the Academic Achievement Center, Learning Communities, and the Innovation Zone makerspace during UConn Gives on April 17 & 18th is paramount for fostering holistic student success. These programs collectively provide a comprehensive support system that addresses various aspects of student development. First Year Programs offer vital resources to ease the transition into university life, helping students adapt academically and socially. The Academic Achievement Center complements this by providing strategic counseling, study skills workshops, supplemental instruction and academic coaching, ensuring that students have the necessary tools to excel in their coursework. Additionally, Learning Communities create tight-knit networks where students can engage with peers who share similar academic interests, fostering collaboration and a sense of belonging. Meanwhile, the Innovation Zone makerspace serves as a hub for creativity and experimentation, empowering students to turn their ideas into tangible innovations through access to cutting-edge technology and collaborative spaces. Investing in these programs is investing in the future success of UConn students. By supporting FYP, LC,AAC & IZ donors play a crucial role in shaping the educational experience of students, equipping them with the skills, resources, and support networks they need to thrive both academically and personally. These initiatives not only enhance the academic journey of students but also cultivate a culture of innovation and collaboration that prepares them to become leaders in their respective fields. Your contribution to UConn Gives Day directly impacts the lives of students, empowering them to reach their full potential and make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond. #SuccessStartsHere Jordan Ochs Melissa Foreman Leo Lachut Cody Ryan Faith Watson Tara O'Reilly Lily Cayangyang Alexandria Silva Elizabeth Scott

Did you know that alumni networks can do so much more than just fundraising? From providing career support to offering skill development opportunities, the impact of engaged alumni can be transformative. Have you ever wondered how we can unlock the full potential of alumni networks? A recent Forbes article explores this very topic, and it's a must-read for anyone interested in enhancing student success and institutional advancement. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gFvKYNyH What are your thoughts on maximizing alumni engagement? #HigherEducation #AlumniEngagement #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerSuccess

: 🔍 Navigating Ivy League College Choices Made Simple! With the prestigious Ivy League schools as your goal, choosing the right one for your child can feel overwhelming. But what if you had a clear roadmap to help you find the perfect Ivy League fit for their academic journey? 📚 In our FREE webinar on 28th September at 7:30 PM IST, we’ll walk you through the entire process of finding the right Ivy League college and making informed decisions based on key factors like: 1️⃣ Types of Ivy League Colleges: Understand the unique offerings of each Ivy League institution and how they align with your child’s interests and career aspirations. 2️⃣ Location & Campus Life: Discover why location matters and how to evaluate the campus environments at each Ivy League school to ensure your child thrives academically and socially. 3️⃣ Programs & Courses: We’ll dive into how to assess whether an Ivy League college offers the right programs and courses that match your child’s academic and career goals. 4️⃣ Budget & Scholarships: Get clarity on how to manage your budget effectively, explore scholarship opportunities, and find the best financial aid options available at Ivy League institutions. 5️⃣ Personalized Fit: Learn how to use personalized data and expert insights to ensure that the Ivy League schools you shortlist are the ones where your child can excel and feel fulfilled. 💡 Why Attend? This webinar is designed to give parents a crystal-clear understanding of how to choose the best Ivy League college for their child, what each institution’s courses will offer, and how to align their child’s future with the right Ivy League academic program. 🕒 Mark Your Calendar: 28th September, 7:30 PM IST. Free slots are limited and available for a short time! Don't miss out—register now: https://shorturl.at/YFhVT #IvyLeaguePrep #IvyLeague #LetsUnbound #FutureReady #HigherEducation #IvyLeagueScholarships #CollegeWebinar #ParentGuide #AcademicSuccess

What's happening with college alumni engagement? U.S. News & World Report recently highlighted trends that Cara Giacomini and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education are seeing in the alumni engagement world today. Are you seeing the same trends at your institution?

🔍 Navigating Ivy League College Choices Made Simple! With the prestigious Ivy League schools as your goal, choosing the right one for your child can feel overwhelming. But what if you had a clear roadmap to help you find the perfect Ivy League fit for their academic journey? 📚 In our FREE webinar on 28th September at 7:30 PM IST, we’ll walk you through the entire process of finding the right Ivy League college and making informed decisions based on key factors like: 1️⃣ Types of Ivy League Colleges: Understand the unique offerings of each Ivy League institution and how they align with your child’s interests and career aspirations. 2️⃣ Location & Campus Life: Discover why location matters and how to evaluate the campus environments at each Ivy League school to ensure your child thrives academically and socially. 3️⃣ Programs & Courses: We’ll dive into how to assess whether an Ivy League college offers the right programs and courses that match your child’s academic and career goals. 4️⃣ Budget & Scholarships: Get clarity on how to manage your budget effectively, explore scholarship opportunities, and find the best financial aid options available at Ivy League institutions. 5️⃣ Personalized Fit: Learn how to use personalized data and expert insights to ensure that the Ivy League schools you shortlist are the ones where your child can excel and feel fulfilled. 💡 Why Attend? This webinar is designed to give parents a crystal-clear understanding of how to choose the best Ivy League college for their child, what each institution’s courses will offer, and how to align their child’s future with the right Ivy League academic program. 🕒 Mark Your Calendar: 28th September, 7:30 PM IST. Free slots are limited and available for a short time! Don't miss out—register now: https://shorturl.at/YFhVT #IvyLeaguePrep #IvyLeague #LetsUnbound #FutureReady #HigherEducation #IvyLeagueScholarships #CollegeWebinar #ParentGuide #AcademicSuccess

Learn more about our career-connected learning work in this recent article published by the Bohemian! "For over a decade, the CTE Foundation has been reshaping Sonoma County’s approach to education, pushing career and technical education boundaries to bridge the often-daunting gap between high school and career. At the heart of its mission is a simple yet profound goal: to innovate the education-to-career pipeline, ensuring that students have the tools, knowledge and opportunities to thrive beyond graduation..." 📖 🚀

🎓 Anticipating Leading Carroll Community College into the Future! 🚀 I recently attended the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Annual Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. As the incoming president of Carroll Community College, this experience has ignited my passion and vision for our institution’s future. Here are some key takeaways from the conference sessions that have me buzzing with excitement: Innovative Marketing Approaches: We explored cutting-edge strategies to drive enrollment. From leveraging social media to personalized outreach, we’re poised to reach more students than ever before. Workforce Pipelines and Partnerships: The AACC emphasized the critical role community colleges play in shaping the workforce. I’m thrilled to forge new partnerships with local businesses, industries, and organizations to create pathways for our students. Designing Our Best Future: The intersection of critical thinking, futures thinking, and design thinking is where magic happens. Let’s reimagine our programs, services, and campus environment to empower our students for success. Navigating Change: As an incoming college president, I appreciate the insights shared on leading through change. Together, we’ll embrace innovation, adapt to challenges, and champion student-centered solutions. But it wasn’t just about sessions and workshops. The conference provided a wonderful opportunity to network with colleagues from across the country. Reconnecting with old friends and making new ones reminded me of the strength of our community. I am ready to work with you to channel all this energy and thinking into developing Carroll Community College’s new strategic plan. Our collective vision will shape the future of education in our region. Stay tuned for exciting updates as we embark on this transformative journey together! 🌟 #CarrollCC #CommunityCollegeLeadership #EducationInnovation #FutureReady 🌐 Learn more about AACC: 1

Celebrating First Generation College Students (and the Power of Mentorship)! Today is First Generation College Celebration Day! This was me many years ago. First generation college students are those who neither parent has a bachelor's degree or higher. My parents taught me many important things in my life, but I still faced challenges. Below are some of the unique challenges first-generation students face. From navigating financial aid and academic hurdles to feeling like you belong, the college landscape can be daunting. First generation students are less likely to ask for help or even know what is available. They may feel unsure about asking for scholarships. Many don't have ready access to mentors who've been there, and that can make a big difference. I was lucky to have an uncle who offered simple yet powerful advice that helped me persevere. "They just want to see if you can last four years." Yes, he was a bit of a joker, but there was some truth to that. My story highlights the importance of mentorship for first-generation students. It also underscores the need for schools that actively support first generation students. Purdue Global, where I'm proud to work, is one such institution. Are you a first-generation student seeking a mentor? Don't be afraid to ask! Are you someone who can be a mentor? You have the power to make a real difference in someone's life. Learn about Purdue Global's scholarship for first generation college students: https://lnkd.in/gcbz57iF