The University of Nebraska Foundation, The Collective Genius Case Study showing Nebraska Alumni Association logo

The University of Nebraska Foundation

Reenvisioning an Alumni Network Structure (2013/14 & 2023/24)

In 2013, with a newly installed foundation president, the University of Nebraska Foundation sought hard data to drive decisions around donor and alumni engagement, messaging, communication, and critical needs that the University could fill to remain relevant to external stakeholders.

Then, in 2023, the Foundation and Chancellor’s office determined that it was time to reconnect with TCG and its research partner, Public Opinion Strategies, to update alumni information specifically and to understand how to maintain a strong sense of connection with graduates across four campuses.

Initially, TCG assisted the University of Nebraska Foundation in research to create and refine “big ideas” to test with key stakeholders. This led to the identification of five new segments among alumni and four among non-alumni donors and the guidance of the foundation through a pilot project targeting one of these key segments.

Then again in 2023, TCG crafted an alumni survey with Public Opinion Strategies to track alumni bonds and connection to the university/alumni network and create a university-specific affinity scouring system. Surveying alumni across four campuses with over 2,600 responses led to an overall findings report as well as campus specific findings summaries and recommendations.