Part of rightsizing Guilford College to fit its current budget was a dramatic cut in the staff of the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations. There are 7 full-time employees and the President to generate funds, cultivate donors, plan alumni events, submit and oversee grants, and encourage planned giving. The reduction in staff and laser focus on fundraising resulted in a reimagined model for alumni engagement, given the capacity of one designated staff member. Sustainability of alumni activity also requires adopting a new structure for this vital work. Guilfordians organize organically and need creative ways to connect and collaborate, which is reflected in the menu of opportunities for alumni to engage with their alma mater.
Marquee Reunions: Golden Circle (50 year) and Class Reunions (10, 20, 25, 30, 40) supported by the Director of Alumni Relations & Engagement.
Alumni and Friends of Guilford (AFOG) was founded in 2021 by a diverse group of alumni who graduated between 1950 and 2014 as an independent alumni association. It was established as a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. The IRS status allows donations to be tax-deductible. In 2022, the grassroots movement Save Guilford College merged with AFOG to support alumni activities and is open to all. The primary pillars of the organization are Admissions (GAAN, Guilford Admissions Ambassadors Network), Student and Faculty Support, and Fundraising. Organizational efforts are underway in Career Networking and Young Alumni Engagement. It is volunteer-managed and all Guilford College alumni and friends are encouraged to participate.
Goals: represent the independent and diverse voices and perspectives of Guilfordians; promote appropriate nonprofit activities, which may include fundraising, curating programs of interest to alumni, and establishing networks among the membership; assist Guilford College’s staff and faculty in their outreach and engagement activities; and support the College’s evolving initiatives.
Coordinating Council
Purpose: Coordinate the promotion of events, learn about new college initiatives, support Advancement, and provide local volunteers for campus events as needed.
- Coordinating Council is facilitated by AFOG.
- Each affinity group selects a liaison for the coordinating council. The liaison does not have to be the chair of the affinity group.
Affinity Groups
An affinity group is any set of alumni who are joined by a common interest, identity, or purpose such as academic majors, campus involvement, athletics, and personal identities. All affinity groups will be alumni-run with limited staff support.
- Criteria for formation:
- Minimum 50 people
- One person to serve as chair
- Select one official representative to serve on the Coordinating Council. Does not have to be the chair.
- Limited Guilford College staff support provided. Please see the list below on what we provide to affinity groups.
A summary of how the Office of Advancement & Alumni Relations can serve you is listed below.
- What we provide to affinity groups:
- Strategy & Feedback on event ideas, implementation, and goals
- Alumni contact information (confidentiality agreement must be signed before receiving)
- Emails: If you are planning an event, requesting volunteers, or simply contacting your affinity group, you can draft an email and have it sent on your behalf through the Office of Advancement & Alumni Relations. 2 week lead time required.
- Events
- Online registration: If you are hosting an event or program, the Office of Advancement & Alumni Relations can set up online registration for you. Please submit your request through this form. 45 days lead time required.
- Payment Processing: The Affinity Groups program aims to break even on all affinity group events. Registration fees will cover all event expenses plus overhead set by Guilford College. Event attendees register on the Guilford College website and pay an attendance fee when they register. Invoices for catering, venue services, etc. are to be sent directly to the Office of Advancement & Alumni Relations for payment.
- Campus reservations for space and equipment. 45 days lead time required.
- Nonrefundable deposit is required upfront for staff time; ranges based on event size.
- What we cannot provide to affinity groups:
- Funding: All affinity groups fund their own events and expenses.
- Excessive email communication.
- Event implementation: It is our desire to support Affinity Groups and other volunteers planning and executing affinity group events. The Office of Advancement & Alumni Relations cannot take full responsibility for the coordination of these events in regards to vendors (licensing/contracts), venues, and event implementation.
- Expectations of Affinity Groups:
- To complete the liability check list and submit it to the Office of Advancement & Alumni Relations.
- Provide photos/videos to the Office of Advancement & Alumni Relations.
- Provide event attendance and attendee contact information to the Office of Advancement & Alumni Relations.
- Participating alumni are encouraged to make a recurring gift to Guilford College.
Shared Interest Groups
A Shared Interest Group unites alumni based on a broad spectrum of connections, ranging from professional areas and personal hobbies to geographic regions and organized by alumni.
- Criteria for formation:
- Minimum 50 people
A summary of how the Office of Advancement & Alumni Relations can serve you is listed below. Minimal Guilford College staff support.
- What we provide to shared interest groups:
- Alumni contact information (confidentiality agreement must be signed before receiving)
- Emails: If you are planning an event, requesting volunteers, or simply contacting your affinity group, you can draft an email and have it sent on your behalf through the Office of Advancement & Alumni Relations. 2 week lead time required.
- What we cannot provide to shared interest groups:
- Funding: All shared interest groups fund their own events and expenses.
- Excessive email communication.
- Event implementation: It is our desire to support Shared Interest Groups and other volunteers planning and executing shared interest group events. The Office of Advancement & Alumni Relations cannot take full responsibility for the coordination of these events.
Additional alumni organizations may be formed by obtaining and maintaining the IRS 501(c) (3) designation.
Pricing for event costs will be determined by Guilford College and are subject to change.
All groups operate in the Manner of Friends. Volunteers sign the standard confidentiality statement. The leadership model is collaborative and respectful.
The primary Guilford College contact for all affinity groups is Lauren Reinking, Director of Alumni Relations & Engagement, lreinking@guilford.edu or (336) 316-2107.