What happens when the mission is clear, the impact is measurable, and the stories are unforgettable? On this episode of Alumless, we sit down with Ted Probert, President and CEO of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, the nation’s oldest and largest provider of scholarships to military children. With a legacy grounded in honor, courage, and commitment, the Foundation has awarded more than 60,000 scholarships — driven by a message that resonates with donors and military families alike. We explore how Ted and his team craft messaging that combines emotional storytelling and rally support from partners like the Baltimore Ravens to fund the dreams of the next generation. Whether you're leading a scholarship campaign or simply looking to sharpen your impact narrative, this conversation is full of insights. Thanks to our sponsor, Protopia, for supporting Alumless. Subscribe for bonus podcast content wherever you get your shows. Visit protopia.co/alumless for more details about the technology everyone is talking about.

What does it take to find the right advancement leader, especially when you're casting a global net? On this episode of Alumless World, we are joined by Jocelyn Kelty, Director of the Australia Office for Richmond Associates, an international executive search firm specializing in fundraising and engagement leadership. Jocelyn offers insights from years of experience helping institutions across sectors and countries recruit mission-driven professionals who can lead in complex, relationship-centered environments. From navigating cultural fit and international placement logistics to identifying transferable skills and evolving fundraising competencies, she shares what hiring teams and candidates need to know. Whether you're hiring, job-hunting, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of advancement recruitment, this conversation unpacks the strategies that power successful placements in a competitive talent landscape. Bonus Segment Preview: Jocelyn explores how Richmond Associates assesses candidates, why leadership potential often trumps sector experience, and how she advises organizations to broaden their definition of a great fit. A big thanks to AlumniQ for supporting the show. Learn more about their event and volunteer engagement technology by visiting alumniq.com.

How do you turn recent graduates into lifelong alumni supporters from day one? In this episode of Alumless, Ryan Catherwood and co-host Kim Infanti (filling in for Chris this week) sit down with Matt James, Vice President of Alumni Relations at The Marshall University Foundation, to explore how Marshall is transforming its approach to new grad engagement with fresh strategies and bold ideas. Matt shares insights on rethinking first touchpoints, building authentic connections, and designing programs that resonate with young alumni.

The conversation also touches on aligning athletics partnerships and developing innovative membership and sponsorship models to strengthen long-term alumni relationships. If you’re looking for creative ideas to engage your newest alumni, this episode is packed with practical takeaways.

Subscribe to Alumless for the extended conversation and bonus segment, and special thanks to our presenting sponsor AlumniQ.

Join us for our next episode of Alumless World. This week we’re featuring Holman Chin. As Executive Director of Development at INSEAD, he’s helping lead one of the world’s top global business schools into a new era where philanthropy is personal, yet experimental, and engagement is borderless and sits at the intersection of data, culture, and storytelling. We explore INSEAD’s approach to global philanthropy, how alumni engagement differs across cultures, and why the future of fundraising may rely on both AI and NFTs. From transforming alumni identity across campuses to launching crypto gifts and a Founders Pledge, Holman shares his reflections on innovation, adaptability, and staying human in a tech-driven era. Subscribe to the podcast edition of 30 additional minutes of Alumless World, including our signature Friday Cheers segment. Thanks to AlumniQ for being our presenting sponsor. Visit alumniq.com for more details about the technology that’s making events infinitely easier.

If you’re leading marketing, communications, or alumni engagement at a small institution, this next episode is for you. Pete Brumbaugh is Executive Director of University Communications & Alumni Engagement at MidAmerica Nazarene University, where he and his team are tasked with delivering meaningful connections and value without the luxury of large budgets or big staff. Hear our conversation with Pete on the next edition of the show. Also on the episode, Pete shares his approach to prioritizing programs, building internal partnerships, and activating volunteers in ways that extend reach without overextending the team. The conversation touches on what to let go of, what to double down on, and how to maintain team culture and momentum in a lean environment. If you’re part of a small shop looking for clarity and inspiration, this episode offers practical takeaways and a grounded sense of what’s possible. Subscribe to the podcast edition of Alumless to catch the bonus segment with Pete, and special thanks to our presenting sponsor Protopia. Visit protopia.co/alumless for more details about the technology everyone is talking about.

What happens when a long-time alumni board volunteer steps into their alma mater's top alumni engagement role? In this episode of Alumless, Ryan and Chris welcome Heather Stanley, Senior Director for Alumni Experience at Western Michigan University, to talk about her transition from volunteer to staff leader—and what that shift has taught her about the work of alumni engagement. Heather shares insights from her first six months on the job, including the experience of leading through a national championship moment in college hockey and navigating leadership transitions at the university. She also reflects on the value of board service as a pathway into the advancement profession and how her background in education is shaping her approach to building community and team culture. Subscribe to Alumless to hear the extended podcast conversation, including our bonus segment with Heather. Special thanks to our sponsor AlumniQ for making the show possible. Visit alumniq.com for more details about their events-and-all technology.

Sorry listeners! Uploading this one from two weeks ago. Chris and Ryan welcome Jeff Williams, Assistant Vice President for People and Engagement at the University of Maryland, for a conversation focused on the internal dynamics of advancement work. With a role that blends talent development, team culture, and stakeholder engagement, Jeff offers a unique perspective on how investing in people directly influences external engagement success. The conversation explores Jeff’s first year in the role and strategies for building a high-performing culture. Jeff also discusses how internal partnerships and professional development can help advancement shops retain top talent and create more integrated approaches to alumni and donor engagement. Subscribe to Alumless for the extended podcast conversation, including our 30-minute bonus segment with Jeff, and special thanks to Protopia for sponsoring this episode. Visit protopia.co/alumless for more details about the technology that helped LSE and Northwestern win CASE awards in 2024.

In this episode of Alumless, hosts Ryan and Chris are joined by Sean Devendorf, Executive Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving at Tufts University, for a conversation on aligning alumni engagement and annual giving teams to drive more efficient and effective advancement outcomes. Sean shares his experience leading this integration at Tufts, reflecting on the early challenges, lessons learned, and the tangible benefits of uniting two traditionally siloed areas under a common strategy. The conversation explores how restructuring, goal-setting, and shared metrics have helped his team work more collaboratively. This episode offers insights for advancement leaders looking to build a more integrated model and reimagine how engagement and philanthropy can work hand in hand. Subscribe to the Alumless podcast for the extended bonus segment with Sean, and special thanks to AlumniQ for sponsoring this episode. Visit alumniq.com.