Members of Darlington’s advancement department traveled to Orlando last week to share helpful advice and success stories as presenters at the CASE District III Conference.
Director of Development Julie (Wilson) Lucas ('97) and Director of Alumni Relations Vicki Vincent spoke in a special break-out session entitled, “Alumni Engagement: Follow the Yellow Brick Road…Alumni Boards, Councils and Donors, OH MY!”
Panelists presented on different advancement and alumni engagement strategies relevant to both the collegiate and independent school sectors. Stories illustrating Darlington’s focus on creating leadership and volunteer opportunities through Leadership Darlington and the restructuring of the Alumni Council were spotlighted during the session.
“I love to meet other people at these events who do what we do, and to hear how other schools are strengthening alumni programs that in turn strengthen their organization,” said Julie Lucas.
Special guest Michael Van Cise (‘97) joined the conversation via FaceTime and spoke about involvement with Darlington’s Alumni Council and his successful tenure as the first regionally-based president of the association.
"Our programming has become a better reflection of the demographics of our alumni base at large," said Vicki Vincent. "We have an improved representation in these groups now more than ever."
Chief Advancement Officer Joe Montgomery also presented at the conference and had the opportunity to share specifically on the successes of the Leadership Darlington program and how it has been able to form stronger connections between alumni and the school.
Darlington alumna and Alumni Council member Lindsey (Mann) Field (‘99) was heavily involved in this year's CASE district conference as co-chair, and serves on CASE's board of directors. Her ongoing relationship with Darlington's advancement department helped open the door for representatives to participate as speakers at the event.
While in central Florida, the advancement team also attended professional development sessions on other forms of alumni programming, planned giving, campaigns, and social media integration.
“CASE is a great networking opportunity and a great place to absorb, share and bounce around ideas,” said Lucas. “You are constantly learning from your peers in an open professional organization where there is no feeling of competition.”
Following Darlington's presentation, representatives from two other schools in the region expressed interest in visiting Rome and implementing similar programs for their respective alumni.
“They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” said Vincent. “This is a huge compliment that others are wanting to do the same programs that Darlington has made successful.”
In addition to attending the district conference, members from the advancement office also had the opportunity to round out their trip by paying a visit to area alumnus Harlan Trammell (’53) and wife Sally.
The CASE District III Conference brought together over 1,000 attendees from independent schools all over the southeast including Asheville School, Marist School and the Westminster Schools, as well as colleges like Clemson University, Florida State University, Hampden–Sydney College and the University of Georgia.
CASE—the Council for Advancement and Support of Education—is an association of educational institutions around the world that assists advancement professionals with building strong alumni and donor relationships, and other services as they relate to the development of their respective organizations.
Click here for more information about CASE.
