5X

Renewed Focus on Adult and Parenting Student Engagement

Young woman studying with baby

 5X’s Center for Adult and Veteran Services (CAVS) enhances the experiences of adult, military-connected and parenting students both in and out of the classroom. This June, Cassandra Pegg-Kirby became the associate director of adult and parenting student engagement for the center, leading to a renewed effort of support. “We’re an office that meets people where they are; we look for the best options and opportunities for students,” Pegg-Kirby told Kent State Today. “The specific populations that we serve are veterans, adults and parents.”Some of the center’s primary...

Begin Your Kent State Story at Preview KSU Stark on Nov. 13

Preview KSU Stark

It's always a good day to visit us at 5X at Stark, but our open house-style Preview KSU event is really special. Join us for an in-person visit program designed for prospective first-year students and their families.PREVIEW KSU STARKThursday, Nov. 13, 20255:30 - 7:30 p.m.Campus CenterREGISTER FOR PREVIEW KSU STARKDuring Preview KSU Stark, you'll:Discover the 20+ bachelor's degrees you can start and finish at Kent State Stark.Tour our park-like, 200-acre campus. Campus tours depart every 30 minutes. A music technology tour departs at 6:30 p.m.Visit resource tables with i...

FAQs

Can we host a stewardship event without a fundraising ask?
Yes. These events are explicitly intended to thank and recognize donors without soliciting a gift.

How far in advance should we start planning?
The sooner the better. At least 6-9 months in advance for large events and 4 months for smaller gatherings.

Who should be invited?
Work with DPAE to pull accurate donor lists based on giving history, fund designation or campaign involvement.

Step-By-Step Guide

  • Define your event purpose and goals
  • Contact your DPAE Project Manager and Philanthropic Advisor <link>
  • Determine if you will be managing the project internally or need assistance from the Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement (DPAE)
    • All event communication and outreach is managed by DPAE communications regardless of event team assistance
  • Our division’s ability to assist varies based on capacity and strategic

What To Avoid

  • Planning an event without a clear stewardship purpose or audience
  • Generic messaging that doesn’t personalize the donor experience
  • Overloading the agenda with lengthy speeches or unrelated content
  • Overextending budget on aesthetics at the expense of meaningful touchpoints
  • Lack of follow-up: timely, heartfelt follow-up is crucial to closing the stewardship loop
  • Overlap with other major donor communica

Halis Sakiz

During his time as an Aggarwal-Blackburn Visiting Scholar, Halis Sakiz collaborated with Dr. Marty Jencius, Associate Professor in Counselor Education and Supervision.

FAQs

Can we partner with DPAE to host an alumni event without a fundraising component?
Yes, if the event does not have a paid ticket. If there is a cost to attend, all alumni events must charge an additional minimum of $5 per person towards a designated scholarship fund to utilize our RSVP platforms and resources.

How far in advance should we start planning?
The sooner the better. At least 6-9 months in advance for large events and 4 months for smaller gatherings.

Step-By-Step Guide

  • Define your event purpose and goals
  • Determine if you will be managing the project internally or need assistance from the Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement (DPAE)
    • All event communication and outreach is managed by DPAE communications regardless of event team assistance
  • Our division’s ability to assist varies based on capacity and strategic fit.
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