Connect with fellow alumni leaders and enjoy time together as we learn ways to strengthen the entities of the Samford University Alumni Association and grow as leaders. Topics discussed during the conference include ways for alumni leaders to serve as advocates for Admission and Athletics, best practices for social media, ideas to grow the alumni community in your city, and much more! Boards, chapters and clubs will have a time to meet with one another to discuss ideas pertaining specifically to each entity of the Samford University Alumni Association.
Bring your families! So many activities are available throughout Birmingham for families to enjoy while alumni leaders are attending the conference. Mark your calendar for the Samford Family Dinner on campus on Friday, June 24, where we will be joined by Randy Pittman, vice president for University Advancement.
Register for Conference Hotel Room Block
Schedule of Events
Friday, June 24
SUAA Leadership Conference Check-In
1:30 - 2 p.m.Dwight and Lucille Beeson Alumni Center Atrium - Second Floor
Conference attendees are encouraged to check in to collect all items needed for the conference. Refreshments will be provided
Welcome
2 p.m.Dwight and Lucille Beeson Alumni Center Atrium - Second Floor
We will begin the conference with a brief welcome from alumni leaders and University Advancement.
Alumni Sessions
Alumni are invited to attend 2 sessions.Session 1: 2:30-3 p.m. | Session 2: 3:15-3:45 p.m.
Support Samford’s Office of Admission as Alumni Advocates
Brian Kennedy, Assistant Dean, Office of AdmissionIngalls Hall, Presentation Room 118
2:30-3 p.m. and 3:15-3:45 p.m.
Be informed about the strategy for recruiting students to Samford University as well as ways alumni can support the Office of Admission in these efforts as alumni advocates.
Strategies to Lead Effective Meetings
Jewel Littleton, President Emeritus of the Samford Black Alumni Association, Samford OverseerOrlean Beeson School of Education, 232/233
2:30-3 p.m.
Interested in learning more about ways to lead effective meetings? Join this session for ideas and tools to keep meetings moving forward while ensuring all participants are involved and engaged.
Steps to Increase Alumni Engagement in Your Community
Stephen Dillard, President Emeritus of the Samford University Alumni Association, Samford OverseerChris George, President of the Young Alumni Board of Birmingham, SUAA Executive Council Member
Pete Hanna Center, 2020
2:30-3 p.m. and 3:15-3:45 p.m.
Discover tips and ideas to help increase alumni engagement in your communities. Hear testimonials from current alumni leaders. There will also be a roundtable discussion to share success stories, propose challenges, and brainstorm ideas.
Best Practices for Effective Communication and Social Media
Lauren Marino, Social Media Manager, Samford UniversityDwight and Lucille Beeson Alumni Center, The Rotunda Club, Marion Room
3:15-3:45
Discover tools and strategies for effective communication and social media as an alumnus or alumna leader of SUAA. This session will be especially valuable for alumni leaders serving on communication committees and/or social media coordinator roles.
Break
3:45 p.m. - 4 p.m.Take a moment for a break between alumni sessions. There will be refreshments available in the Dwight and Lucille Beeson Alumni Center Atrium.
Campus Tour
4:15 p.m. - 5 p.m.Check out the newly renovated University Center as well as other recently updated areas of campus. Anyone that is interested in taking the tour can meet in the atrium of the Dwight and Lucille Beeson Alumni Center. Samford Ambassadors will begin this walking tour at 4:15.
Samford Alumni and Families Dinner
6 - 8 p.m.Brock School of Business, Regions Community Resource Room and Terrace, Fourth Floor
Join us for a family-friendly dinner with all alumni leaders and families. Randy Pittman, vice president for University Advancement, will join us as the keynote speaker. Alumni attending the conference are encouraged to bring their families to this event.
RegisterSaturday, June 25
Breakfast Available in The Rotunda Club
8 - 8:45 a.m.The Rotunda Club
Group Meeting – Forever Samford Campaign Recap
9 - 9:45 a.m.Pete Hanna Center, Room 1125
Join Randy Pittman, Vice President for University Advancement, and Rhonda White, Senior Director for Philanthropy and Engagement, for a recap of the Forever Samford Campaign and a glimpse of what’s next.
Break
9:45 - 10 a.m.Alumni Sessions
10 - 10:45 a.m.Meet affinity areas with the Samford University Alumni Association to brainstorm ideas, share success stories, discuss challenges, and grow together as alumni leaders within SUAA.
Note: Alumni leaders representing a chapter, club or board on the SUAA Executive Council are encouraged to meet with their chapter, club or board alumni session.
Regional Alumni Chapters
Orlean Beeson School of Education, Room 126Regional Alumni Clubs
Orlean Beeson School of Education, Room 230Samford Black Alumni Association
Dwight and Lucille Beeson Alumni Center, Marion RoomSamford University Alumni Association Executive Council
Orlean Beeson School of Education, Room 232Young Alumni Boards
Pete Hanna Center, Room 1125Break
10:45 - 11 a.m.Lunch and Learn, Samford Athletics in Your City
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.Pete Hanna Center, Coca-Cola Hospitality Suite, Room 2020
Enjoy lunch together with all alumni leaders attending the conference. We will be joined by Martin Newton, Director of Athletics, to share about ways to support Samford Athletics in your city.
Group Meeting – Next Steps for the Samford University Alumni Association
12 - 1 p.m.Pete Hanna Center, Coca-Cola Hospitality Suite, Room 2020
As we close the SUAA Leadership Conference, we will hear from Alumni Association leaders about the vision for the Samford University Alumni Association moving forward. We will also reflect on ideas and thoughts from attendees as the conference concludes.
