Customized database solution increases number of alumni email addresses by 20% at the University of Mary Washington.

CUSTOM DATABASE UPDATES KEY TO ENHANCED ALUMNI COMMUNICATIONS AT MARY WASHINGTON

A customized solution to database updating helped the University of Mary Washington boost the number of alumni email addresses by nearly 20%, and make e-communications more timely and effective, according to Sara Solomon, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations.

“We had a need, and Harris made it happen,” said Solomon. “Our in-house data updates had to get synched with online community data to keep our files as current as possible. The Harris Connect team came up with a solution, worked their technical magic, and now our database remains synchronized with our online directory. It’s so much more current, it’s already had a great impact. We’re reaching more alumni, with fewer bounce backs and bad addresses.”

Another beneficial result has been a marked increase in the number of alumni email addresses on file. “We’ve gone from 10,877 to 16,372 good email addresses,” said Solomon. “It’s unbelievable how much that number has jumped - nearly 20% in 5 months. We’re adding new addresses at the rate of 100-200 a week, which has helped us immensely. Our use of e-communications has increased and we reach so many more people.”

Solomon explained that in addition to more frequent use of email, the communications are more effective, due to the ability to target specific groups. “It’s had a huge impact on events registration, for which we’re seeing greater turnout and increased advance registration numbers,” she said. “We’ve gotten positive feedback from alums. It’s a great benefit and convenience for them to link directly to the registration site, and pay with a credit card. They’ve really taken advantage of the service.”

The alumni relations office also sends out a quarterly newsletter, which is now reaching more people than ever before, according to Solomon. “We’ve also been able to send out email alerts announcing timely news, including the appointment of our new college president, as well as the addition of a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet on staff. It’s a quick, inexpensive way to reach a widening alumni base.”

In addition, the updated information has led to increased online community registration. “We’re reaching more people, and word is spreading among alumni,” she said. “We’re anticipating a flood of new registrants with this year’s graduating class.”

Solomon acknowledged that the tailor-made solution has helped strengthen communications between the University and alumni. “It was custom work done quickly and effectively, with great results,” she said. “We are so thankful for the solution and the support from Harris. I’m not a technical person, but they made the whole process very easy. It means the world to us to keep this data fresh and current.”