Planning a Founders Day Event

Jeffrey Nolz

Strong alumni relations are a critical component of all SigEp chapters.  Because of this, both undergraduate chapters and AVCs must actively and continually pursue creative ways to keep their alumni engaged.  In the past three years, the Iowa Gamma Chapter has greatly expanded our alumni relations strategy by designing a Founders Day celebration held annually on the last weekend in April.  The overall purpose of the event is to accomplish three goals:

1. Provide an official opportunity for alumni to return to Iowa City and reconnect with both the chapter and their fellow brothers.

2. Individually acknowledge Iowa Gamma’s graduating seniors and officially welcome them into the alumni ranks.

3. Recognize the collective and individual achievements of the undergraduate chapter in a formal setting that alumni can see.

Planning the event

An event on this scale takes time and detailed preparation. Tim Filarski, ’11, director of alumni relations, leads this charge and described what goes into planning the event. “Picking the date, reserving the venue and setting the menu all occur nearly a year in advance,” Filarski said. “Most of the work happens in the two months leading up to the date, as all the small details from ordering awards to finalizing a program to requesting an appropriate amount of food and refreshments are finalized.”

With this type of long-term and continuous planning, organization is key. Know deadlines and what is expected of you from the venue, and be sure to communicate what you need ahead of time. The more planning that can be done ahead of time, the better. Especially so you don’t miss the small details that make the event special. And with an event that lasts a weekend, this organization is even more crucial. Our Founders Day celebration starts on a Friday night with a social downtown, followed by Saturday morning house tours, golf, and ending with the formal banquet on Saturday night.

Encouraging attendance

Undergraduates, alumni, and guests mingle during the formal banquet.

As many undergraduate chapters and AVCs are realizing, simply mailing an invitation to alumni does not automatically generate the excitement required for a well-attended event. Target specific graduation classes—10 or 25 year reunions—with personalized invites. “In the fall, we reach out and communicate to specific alumni before the formal invitations are sent in February,” Filarski said. When possible, these invitation letters are from a respected member of the graduating class who has already committed to attending.  This strategy has yielded positive results.  Over 25 alumni just from the class of 2002 traveled to Iowa City last spring, with many saying they will be back again.

Making it meaningful

Using the event to welcome graduating seniors into the alumni ranks will hopefully encourage seniors to volunteer their time to the chapter after graduation. The same thing can be said about targeting specific graduation classes. It invites them back, reminds them of their experience, and encourages them to give back. Former Chapter President Matt Seberger ’02 put it best when he described his experience at the event, “Looking back at the personal successes of my Fraternity brothers over the last decade: family, career, lifelong friendship, obstacles overcome, I feel compelled to contribute to Iowa Gamma's ability to continue producing balanced men who can enjoy those same successes.”

Think about your annual alumni event. Is it well planned with great attendance and a message to those attending to give back? If not, find a mission for your event, and it will become more than just a gathering of brothers.

For more information: AVC Vice President of Relations

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