The Alumni Blues

Dip after the holidays? Get inspired!

Dear Friends!

In my world it's not too late to wish you all a Happy 2026!

Despite the fresh year, it can be easy to fall into the blahs post-holiday (or the winter blahs for my Northern Hemisphere friends!).  

So let's vamp up the alumni inspiration!

Your challenge this Alumni Friday: grab a cuppa and grab some alumni inspiration!

Let's start new with some thought leadership from seasoned alumni and affinity engagement professional Sharon Parkinson and her article drawing on Martin Luther King's application of the concept of the Beloved Community: "Reclaiming the Beloved Community through Alum Engagement". 

If you choose nothing else to do this Alumni Friday read this.

This will have you smiling and bursting with inspiration! To quote Sharon; the first alignment of alumni engagement and Beloved Community principles: "Lead with agape - Design programs asking "how does this preserve and create community?" rather than "what can we extract from this relationship?"' - Imagine the strategy and conversations this can spark!

Perhaps you want a longer read? Check out a list of must read alumni research articles and books from the Alumni Friday archives!

Or maybe you prefer to immerse yourself in audio content. Check out some fabulous alumni podcasts!

I have some fun online sessions coming up! If you are curious about what is on offer to inspire your alumni leadership or team, book a Discovery Call with me here. 

Something fun to share next week - I am writing from the plane, heading to my hometown of Toronto, more on that next week!

With alumni inspiration, 

Maria 

Photo: New and old and me in between! Sending warm wishes for an alumni inspired 2026 from Dublin!