Best of CASE District II Award
 

Institution: Ursinus College

Title of entry: Future Philanthropy Leaders: The Ursinus Fund Student Engagement Officer Program

About this entry: The Student Engagement Officer (SEO) program at Ursinus College strategically employs students to enhance donor outreach, retention, and stewardship while fostering a culture of philanthropy. SEOs gain hands-on experience in fundraising, donor relations, communication, data analytics, and event management, equipping them with valuable professional skills while directly supporting the success of the Ursinus Fund.

Through multi-channel engagement efforts—including phone calls, direct mail, emails, and texts—SEOs provide personalized outreach that enhances the donor's experience. Their targeted solicitations and stewardship efforts ensure donors feel valued, appreciated, and connected to Ursinus. They also give campus tours, attend donor visits, and support signature Alumni events. Most interactions/ communications are added to our database, allowing the college to track engagement, recognize donor impact, and build long-term connections.

The team is led by two SEO managers who assign tasks, provide quality control, ensure the team has the materials and data needed, and determine and track the most effective outreach methods based on donor preferences, exclusion codes, and engagement history. They also report progress, analyze metrics, and collaborate with Ursinus Fund staff to align outreach with fundraising goals.

SEOs have entered over 3,432 actions, directly increasing donor retention, reactivation, and engagement. They also ensure that every donor receives a personalized thank-you within 30 days of their gift. Through this program, trusted student leaders can serve as Ursinus Fund representatives and connect with alumni and donors in meaningful ways. This student-driven initiative not only enhances fundraising outcomes but also cultivates the next generation of philanthropic advocates.