CONNECT . MOTIVATE . INSPIRE .
BEYOND DONATIONS: LEVERAGING HBCU ALUMNI FOR GROWTH
DR. DUB TAYLOR
I n recent years, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have been at the forefront of reimagining alumni engagement. While financial contributions remain crucial, many HBCU leaders are now tapping into a different kind of alumni resource: expertise. This shift represents a holistic approach to alumni relations that goes beyond traditional fundraising, focusing instead on how alumni can contribute their professional knowledge, industry connections, and mentorship capabilities to drive institutional growth and student success.
conduct mock interviews
workshops for HU students. Alumni can also choose to provide resume feedback, mock interviews, or have informal career conversations with students. Adopting initiatives like this can significantly enhance students’ career readiness and post-graduation job placement rates while also giving alumni a chance to invest in the students attending their alma mater. Mentorship Programs Mentorship is another area where alumni expertise is making a significant impact. Effective mentorship programs often:
Alumni-led Career Development Programs One of the most impactful ways HBCUs can leverage alumni expertise is through career development programs. Best practices for establishing such programs include: 1. Creating a database of alumni willing to serve as career mentors 2. Organizing regular networking events that connect students with alumni in their desired fields
4. Utilizing online platforms to facilitate mentorship connections, especially for geographically distant alumni At Delaware State University, students and alumni are connected through the Career Seminar Series. Through that initiative, students can learn about a variety of career paths from alumni panelists and corporate partners. Hampton University alumni can also volunteer their time and talents by developing and delivering professional development
3. Developing a system for alumni to review resumes and
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