Schedule

Leadership is about the journey, not the destination. When we share our tales, adventures, triumphs, and even our setbacks, we form meaningful connections and build understanding across our communities. This keynote will share effective and implementable strategies to help us thrive in our work, with an emphasis on making compassion, humility, and trust our milestones. We'll discuss the benefits of showing up with our stories authentically, and how our "heroic" actions and attitudes can keep us focused and determined, even when facing challenges and uncertainties. When we build narratives in which everyone has the opportunity to have "Main Character Energy," we are able to go further than we ever imagined.

Speaker: 

Dr. Drea Letamendi 

Speakers:

Matt Lynch, Manager, Constituent Experiences Strategy, The Ohio State University

Brooke Becton, Associate Director of Event Operations, University of Southern California

Moderator: 

Sandy Nguyen, Program Operations Lead, UCLA Alumni 

Discover how the CASE Global Alumni Engagement Metrics model can transform your approach to measuring and tracking alumni engagement. This session will show how this framework has been used to establish strategy, build consistent data tracking and reporting, and establish meaningful benchmarks. Learn how to turn insights into action by using data to inform strategy, measure successes against identified outcomes and elevate your alumni engagement efforts.

Speakers:

Mark Menzel, Associate Vice President and Managing Director, Engagement Business Strategy, University of Wisconsin

Kevin Lobdell, Managing Director, Alumni Engagement and Outreach, University of Maryland

This discussion-based session will be grounded in the questions, curiosities, and experiences of session participants. We will engage in a community-building activity centered on dialogue and our efforts to respond to the current challenges facing higher education, specifically in relation to equity, diversity and inclusion work. Come prepared to reflect, share your insights, and connect with one another.

Speakers:

Denise Pacheco, Senior Director, Alumni Diversity Programs & Initiatives, UCLA

Judah Doty, Associate Director of Affiliate Programs, University of Michigan

Discover how Iowa and Rutgers alumni teams harness virtual platforms and data-driven insights to engage large alumni audiences. This session explores how areas of alumni density and shared interest themes fuel scalable, inclusive programming—connecting newly engaged alumni and deepening ties across generations. Learn how strategic campus and external partnerships power success, and why a thoughtful post-program follow-up plan is essential for sustaining meaningful engagement. Leave with actionable ideas to elevate digital engagement, expand regional reach, and turn one-time participants into lifelong ambassadors.

Speakers:

Tegan Donahue, Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement, Virtual Programs, University of Iowa

Ashley Kodopidis, Director of Alumni Experiences, Rutgers University Foundation

Yvette Martinez, Senior Director of Campus Relations, Rutgers University

Discover how authentic storytelling can strengthen relationships and university connections for alumni across generations. This interactive session explores how UCLA has used personal stories to foster belonging, honor diverse experiences, and deepen engagement. Learn practical strategies, real-world examples, and collaborative tools that help transform storytelling into a relationship-building practice that brings your alum community closer together.

Speakers:

Brandie Barrera, Senior Director of Engagement Operations, UCLA Alumni

Samantha Dier, Content Producer, UCLA Alumni

Sara Mosgrove, Assistant Director of Alumni Career Engagement, UCLA Alumni

Denise Pacheco, Senior Director of Diversity Programs & Initiatives, UCLA Alumni

Katie Ward, Chief Strategy Officer, UCLA Alumni

What does it take to turn alumni volunteers into passionate advocates? In this interactive group discussion, we’ll explore how to build trust, manage expectations, and create flexible, responsive volunteer experiences. We’ll dive into the tools and resources that support success—like handbooks, toolkits, and onboarding strategies—and share ways to convey impact through data and storytelling. Come ready to exchange ideas, learn from peers, and leave with practical strategies to strengthen your volunteer leadership programs.

Speakers:

Loren Vevaina, Alumni Communities & Engagement Pathways Lead, UCLA

Estela Kite, Associate Director, Market Engagement, Indiana University

Michael Cervantes, Director, Market Engagement, Indiana University

Pamela Jones, Director, Alumni Relations, Michigan State

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the conference to enjoy the sunshine and iconic sights of UCLA. Join an optional campus tour led by members of the UCLA Student Alumni Association (SAA). Explore iconic landmarks like Royce Hall, the Sculpture Garden, and even the birthplace of the internet—each offering a unique glimpse into UCLA’s vibrant history and innovation.

The Student Alumni Association (SAA) is a 100-member volunteer organization within the UCLA Alumni Association, dedicated to enriching the student experience and fostering connections between current students and UCLA’s distinguished alumni network.

Following the reception, UCLA Alumni has made reservations at Bruin-owned businesses and local favorite off-campus restaurants. These dine-around dinners are optional and no-host. A UCLA staff member will accompany each dinner party.

Generative AI doesn’t have to be a black box. This energetic and accessible virtual session empowers alumni relations professionals to understand and integrate AI with confidence. Participants will explore how tools like ChatGPT can enhance workflows, boost creativity, and improve efficiency—while staying grounded in ethical, human-centered practices. Whether you're skeptical, curious, or already experimenting, you'll walk away with practical strategies, real-world examples, and the reassurance that it’s okay to start exactly where you are. Demystify AI, embrace innovation, and discover how this powerful technology can support your mission and strengthen your connection with alumni communities.

Speaker:

Christy Moss, Vice President of Membership and Marketing, University of Illinois

“UMAA’s Annual Celebration”

Description: Discover how the University of Minnesota Alumni Association transforms a legacy event into a strategic showcase of alumni success and University pride. This session explores how the UMAA Annual Celebration brings together alumni, students, University leadership, and campus partners to foster connection, celebrate achievement, and inspire advocacy.

Speaker: Charlotte Bovee, Director of Events, University of Minnesota

“Mini University”

Description: Mini University, a signature event presented by the Indiana University Alumni Association, will turn 55 next year in 2026. Held on the IU Bloomington campus for a week each June, Mini U offers exemplary educational sessions and personal enrichment activities that showcase IU’s world-renowned faculty and embody the value of lifelong learning. Through a compelling array of sessions held both on and off site, Mini U entices curious adults of all ages to take part in this fully immersive, uniquely IU experience. Join us as we share about what makes this long-standing program special, lessons learned over the years, and the steps we are taking to introduce Mini University to the next generation of attendees.

Presenters: Melissa Nam, Associate Director of Alumni Programs & Mike Mann, Managing Director of Alumni Programs, Indiana University

Strengthening the student experience requires intentionality and adaptability, and we know it is critical to cultivating loyal alumni. This session will help you enhance your engagement efforts to celebrate students through every milestone – from the moment they begin their college journey to graduation. In this discussion-based format, we’ll address challenges, share tools, and provide examples from across campuses to spark new ideas to strengthen the student-to-alumni pipeline.

Speakers:

Alexandra Brown, Deputy Director, Alumni Strategic Initiatives for the USC Alumni Association

Jessica Lee, Director, Engagement & Outreach, University of Maryland

Grace Puccio, Associate Director of Alumni & Student Engagement, University of Nebraska Lincoln

Explore how the MSU Alumni Office navigates crisis response within a centralized university structure while fostering a collaborative culture across teams. Learn how pre-crisis relationship building, cross-functional planning, and clear role definition strengthen communication and coordination during challenging times. Gain actionable strategies for supporting staff, aligning messaging, and engaging alumni through uncertainty, regardless of your organizational structure.

Speakers:

Kim Kittleman, Director of Alumni Relations – East Coast, Michigan State University

Alumni engagement isn’t one-size-fits-all—it's a lifelong journey. This presentation explores strategies for connecting with alumni at every life stage, from recent graduates to retirees. We'll examine how personal identities, career paths, and life circumstances influence engagement preferences, and how tailored programming can create meaningful connections. Learn how to design inclusive, relevant experiences that resonate with generational segments and foster a lasting bond with the university. Whether alumni are navigating their first job, raising a family, or giving back in retirement, discover how to keep your alumni connected at every step.

Speakers:

Gloria Ko, Senior Director, Alumni Career Engagement, UCLA

Leslie Prideaux, Assistant Vice President for Alumni Engagement, University of Iowa

Bobby Dunlap, Director, Alumni Engagement, Northwestern University

Join in an open conversation around the current needs and expectations of alumni in their careers and best practices across our BIG 10 schools. Learn about some of the programs and initiatives at UCLA Alumni and leave with tangible goals about how to implement alumni career programming at your university or school.

Speakers:

Mia Seleshi, Director, Alumni Career Engagement, UCLA

Alyson Beckman, Director, Alumni Career Engagement, UCLA

Speaker: 

Cori Close, The Michael Price Family UCLA Women's Head Basketball Coach

Speakers:

Raphe Beck, Associate Vice President, Alumni Relations at University of Oregon

Julie Sina, Interim Chief of Staff, UCLA Office of the Chancellor and former Associate Vice Chancellor for Alumni Affairs

Erika Jordan, Associate Senior Vice President, Alumni Relations at USC

Paul Rucker, Vice President, Alumni and Stakeholder Engagement at University of Washington