More than 100 representatives of some 40 organizations shared best practices, ideas and professional perspectives at the first-ever Northeast Ohio Summit on Alumni Engagement. Participants represented colleges, universities, private K-12 schools, medical institutions and other organizations.

Co-sponsored by the Cleveland State University and Kent State University Alumni Associations and held at CSU’s Mather Mansion, the daylong event included workshops covering more than a dozen topics, including social media, measuring engagement and leadership boards, as well as roundtables and a luncheon panel discussion.  

The keynote address, “10 Characteristics of a High-Performing Alumni Engagement Operation,” was delivered by Chris Vlahos, senior consultant and principal, Marts & Lundy. Vlahos’ career includes alumni leadership positions as Case Western Reserve University, the University of Arizona and The Ohio State University.

The summit’s presenters, as well as the audience, represented a breadth and depth of talent ranging from college presidents to students.

“From all the comments we heard, this was a huge success that we certainly hope to repeat. Participants greatly appreciated the opportunity to meet with colleagues from the Cleveland area and around the state, share their experiences and challenges, and learn from each other,” said Brian Breittholz, CSU’s assistant vice president of alumni relations, and executive director of the CSU Alumni Association.

The summit was funded in part by a Venture Fund Grant from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District V.