Article written by Russell Davidson, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Haileybury VIC
(First published in the educate+ Face-2-Face Magazine, Nov 2025)
When you think of Alumni & Community Engagement, Crocs probably aren’t the first thing that springs to mind. But when speaking with Advancement professionals at the recent Summits, that’s exactly where I started.
On their own, Crocs are practical but plain – much like a traditional Alumni program offering only reunions and a newsletter. Add Jibbitz (those colourful charms that snap into the shoes) and suddenly the same Crocs become personal, vibrant, and hard to ignore. That’s exactly how the Old Haileyburians Association (OHA) has evolved its Alumni Engagement programs in recent years.
To find out more about the Alumni Engagement changes at Haileybury, CLICK HERE
Over the past decade, we’ve transformed a simple structure into a vibrant ecosystem of opportunities. Our “Jibbitz” include a rich calendar of events – sporting and cultural reunions, professional networking functions, signature events, and social gatherings – and a flourishing network of clubs that reflect Alumni passions from cricket to performing arts.
We’ve introduced programs with real impact: a Relocation Bursary to help young Alumni moving interstate or overseas, a Jobs Board that connects graduates with opportunities, and a Rewards Program linking Alumni with Alumni-owned businesses.
We’ve embraced digital platforms to extend our reach through social media and a suite of online services that make staying connected easy and appealing. A Community Grants Program has been launched to support Alumni-led initiatives and assist members through hardship, an Alumni Rewards Program established to recognise outstanding contributions, and a culture created where Alumni of all ages and interests can find a place to belong.
Importantly, all of this has been achieved without appreciably increasing our resources. By following some simple rules – keeping it straightforward, focusing on low-cost, high-impact initiatives, telling the story regularly, securing quick wins, and defining what success looks like – the OHA has grown participation, strengthened its brand, and deepened its impact.
Just as a pair of Crocs becomes infinitely more interesting with each new Jibbitz, an Alumni program becomes exponentially more engaging with every new touchpoint.
At its heart, Alumni & Community Engagement isn’t about size or scale – it’s about creativity, connection, and consistency. Like those colourful charms, every thoughtful addition, no matter how small, contributes to a stronger, more personal bond between Alumni and their educational institution.
3 Key Tips / Take-Aways
- Keep your Alumni programs simple, yet relevant and engaging.
- Identify the key persona types within your Alumni and list the activities/services/programs and events that are relevant to them.
- Be the storyteller for your Alumni. Get the word out there that you exist and that you are making a difference.
