NATIONAL MARQUETTE DAY A Nontraditional Homecoming Program Presented by: Jennilee Schlinsky Assistant Engagement Director Marquette University
HOMECOMING noun home com ing \ˈhōm-ˌkə-miŋ\ The tradition of welcoming back alumni of a school that usually includes activities for students and alumni, such as sports and culture events and a parade through the streets of the city or town. The act of returning to your home or to a place that is like your home An annual celebration for people who attended a college or university An annual celebration for high-school students that includes sports games and a formal dance
HOMECOMING TRADITION The tradition of homecoming has its origin in alumni football games held a colleges and universities since the 19 th century o POP QUIZ: Who has the official claim to holding the first modern homecoming? ANSWER: University of Missouri in 1911 Programming includes: parade, tailgate, bonfire, dance, performances, class giving
MARQUETTE UNIVESITY Homecoming was a huge tradition in the football era After the football team disbanded in 1960s, homecoming continued It became more of a student event in the 1980s & 1990s After lack of alumni interest, we changed our reunion program to be held every July National Marquette Day (NMD) was created in 1992 as a regional alumni club event
NATIONAL MARQUETTE DAY A global celebration gathers the Marquette nation united together in pride, spirit and sport to honor the values we cherish throughout the year. Engage alumni, parents and fans around the world in celebration and pride for Marquette Engage the local Marquette community in celebration and pride for Marquette Provide a platform for impactful development outcomes Expand the reach and support for Marquette athletics
PROGRAMMING Game-watching parties Fire Up Marquette Pep Rally NMD Giving Challenge Show us your #nationalmarquetteday photo contest Men s basketball & women s lacrosse game Pregame celebrations: College of Business Administration, College of Engineering, College of Nursing, St. Ignatius Legacy Giving Society, Parent s Council, Young Alumni Association Residence Hall Decorating Contest Student giveaway at the arena
IMPACT 70 game-watching locations, representing 29 states and 6 countries 6 local pregame celebrations Our newest program, the Fire Up Marquette Pep Rally estimated attendance total of over 1,000 Marquette alumni, students and fans and was covered by 4 local television stations National Marquette Day Giving Challenge surpassed our goal by reaching 573 donors
IMPACT 1,561 tweets and over 900 Instagrams using #NationalMarquetteDay 500 new Facebook fans to the Marquette University Alumni Association page I AM A MARQUETTE ALUM graphic on Facebook was shared 1,280 times, received over 2,600 likes and reached over 140,000 people; on Twitter the graphic was viewed 3,393 times
Establishing a New Tradition THE EVOLUTION OF NATIONAL MARQUETTE DAY Giving Challenge Strategic Planning Student Programming Increase Awareness Local Programming Game-watching Parties
GAME-WATCHING PARTIES Originated as a regional alumni club event Organized by alumni volunteers Alumni Office coordinates promotion and spirit supplies Expanded with Plan Your Own Party form Includes international sites Game selection (date and time) is important Giving element
LOCAL PROGRAMMING Wanted to feel the celebration at home Collaboration with Athletics o Presence at the game Pregame celebrations o Local college and interest-based boards
INCREASE AWARENESS Broaden reach Collaboration with Office Marketing and Communication Creation of nationalmarquetteday.com Photo contest o Winner received a ticket to the game and transportation o No longer a need to offer that great of an incentive
STUDENT PROGRAMMING Bring the tradition to the student body Collaboration with the Marquette Nation program, Student Development and Residence Life Awareness on campus Programming has included: pregame celebration, spirit squad at the arena, residence hall decorating contest
STRATEGIC PLANNING SWOT Analysis Defined the program, established objectives and fiscal year goals Solidified messaging We Are Marquette, THIS IS OUR DAY Dismantled committee structure
GIVING CHALLENGE Capitalized on the momentum behind National Marquette Day 48-hour challenge culminating on NMD Focus on donor participation (and not dollars raised) Goal = 500 donors Results = 573 donors Promoted via print, email and through social media Included alumni and students o Students participated via penny wars
GIVING CHALLENGE
ESTABLISHING A NEW TRADITION We wanted to create an on-campus event surrounding NMD New leadership had a desire to create a tradition Resulted in a pep rally on the eve of National Marquette Day that became the official kick-off to weekend
ESTABLISHING A NEW TRADITION Programming included: free chili & hot chocolate, winter cap and hand warmer giveaway, s'more roasting, performances by band and cheer, remarks by president and head men s basketball coach, and fireworks Included sponsorship Marquette alumni, parents, faculty/staff and students were included Over 1,000 attendees
KEYS TO OUR SUCCESS Synergy with Athletics Campus partnerships Alumni volunteers Project management Not being afraid to embrace the obstacles (i.e. WINTER) Don t bite off more than you can chew Never underestimate the pride and spirit for your institution