2026 Conference Schedule

Before the Cap Hits the Ground: Building Belonging Before Graduation to Strengthen Early Alumni Engagement
Kelsey’s (Lobby Level)

• Laura Masse, Assistant Director of Early Engagement, University at Buffalo

Discipline: Alumni Relations & Event Management

Summary: The transition from student to alum is one of the most fragile moments in the alumni lifecycle. This session explores how the University at Buffalo intentionally engages students before graduation through a layered strategy of celebrations, volunteer leadership, and mentorship. Participants will learn how initiatives like UB FAN Leaders and Alumni Mentors (Future Alumni Network) and the Countdown to Commencement event series work together to celebrate graduates, activate alumni partners, and create a shared sense of belonging that carries into early alumni life. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas to strengthen affinity, participation, and volunteer pipelines during this critical transition.

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Breaking Through in the Public Conversation
Chambers (Lobby Level)

• Joe Bonilla, President, UAlbany Alumni Association; Managing Partner, Relentless Awareness

Discipline: Public, Community & Government Relations

Summary: As newsrooms across the country and state continue to disintegrate or evolve due to digital disruption, how can your institution effectively still be part of the "public conversation" -- the dialogue in which the public is engaged? This discussion will include ways to become your own news network and effectively get the message out on your institution's news and happenings, all while focused on being efficient.

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Look With Thine Eyes! How Not to Be Afraid of Accessible Graphic Design
Empire (Event Level)

• Kimberley Bernhardt, Marketing Coordinator, Stony Brook University

Discipline: Marketing Communications & Design

Summary: Enlighten yourself on how to break down what makes a design accessible, learn tips and tricks that can be used in any program, and find your inner, higher education visual accessibility hero!

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From Blueprints to Buy-In: A Digital Approach to Naming Opportunities
State (Event Level)

• Emily Cohen, Associate Vice President of Development, Monroe Community College
• Emily Birnie, Assistant Vice President of Development, Monroe Community College

Discipline: Development & Fundraising

Summary: The Monroe Community College Foundation has recently unveiled a new “scroll of opportunities” – a modern, enchanting website showcasing the naming possibilities within MCC’s forthcoming Sydor Optics Advanced Technology Center. On this journey, you will learn:

• The alchemy behind crafting the digital showcase, from initial sketches to a fully formed portal of possibilities
• Strategies befitting a court of benefactors, designed to inspire today's patrons to leave their legacy
• Tales of triumph, challenges, and wisdom gained, drawn from the Foundation’s early successes in rallying the community and igniting the spirit of generosity

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From Ye Olde Tools to True Impact: A ThankView Quest for Better Engagement
Capital (Event Level)

• Michele Williams, Director of Annual Giving, Alumni Retention & Acquisition, University at Buffalo
• Samantha General, Associate Director of Stewardship, University at Buffalo

Discipline: Advancement Services

Summary: Universities can be loaded with tools — but which tactics actually deliver outcomes? In this case study-driven session, donor relations and annual giving leaders share how they used ThankView to elevate stewardship, increase engagement, and drive real fundraising results. You’ll see examples spanning scholarship stewardship, solicitation, multi-channel pre- and post-call video engagement, event follow ups and major gift impact updates. We’ll open the hood on our segmentation logic, production workflows, creative decisions, and cross-team collaboration with real-world results. You’ll leave with replicable templates, sample scripts, and a measurement framework you can adapt immediately — plus frank lessons learned about accessibility, consent, and avoiding video fatigue. Whether you’re just getting started or exploring ways to use video across advancement, this session will help you connect gratitude, storytelling, and performance in a way that delights donors and satisfies data-minded stakeholders.

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Feeding a Lifelong Love of Learning
Anteroom (Lobby Level)

• Steve Seepersaud, Advancement Communications Manager, Binghamton University

Discipline: Alumni Relations & Event Management

Summary: The love of learning is meant to last a lifetime, and your alumni should need to look no further than your campus for the stimulating intellectual content they crave. Learn how Binghamton University's alumni engagement efforts have been bolstered through a webinar series, hybrid speaker series, alumni travel program and online book club – and how you can get these started on your campus.

Come Join the Renaissance: Re-imagining Alumni Engagement as a Regional, Relationship-Driven Experience
Kelsey’s (Lobby Level)

• Janet Masini, Director of Alumni Programs, Stony Brook University

Discipline: Alumni Relations & Event Management

Summary: As alumni expectations evolve, meaningful engagement increasingly happens beyond campus boundaries, within the communities where alumni live, work, and raise their families. This session explores how institutions can expand alumni engagement by activating regional opportunities that combine networking, access to university expertise, and inclusive, family-friendly experiences. Attendees will learn how to collaborate with campus partners, faculty, and local alumni leaders to deliver high-impact programs that strengthen alumni affinity while meeting them where they are. Through case studies and replicable models, this session will offer practical strategies for creating vibrant regional engagement that fosters lifelong connections to the institution and to one another.

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From Strategy to Sentence: Training AI to Speak Your Brand
Chambers (Lobby Level)

• Darcy Porter, Director of Content Strategy, SUNY Brockport

Discipline: Marketing Communications & Design

Summary: In the ever-evolving kingdom of advancement communications, where time is short and expectations high, one SUNY campus dared to conjure a new kind of ally — a GPT-powered assistant built not in myth, but in mission. Enter BrockBot, a custom-trained AI designed to support marketing, fundraising, and alumni engagement efforts at SUNY Brockport. In this session, we’ll show how BrockBot helps craft clear, on-brand, donor-centered messaging in minutes — not hours. Learn how we trained it with our voice, goals, and strategy, and how it's helping our small team move faster without sacrificing quality. You'll walk away with ideas for how AI can work with your team — not replace it — and where to begin if you want to build your own.

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Quiet Strength: Empowering Introverted Gift Officers
Empire (Event Level)

• Robert Baird, Associate Director of Advancement, University at Buffalo

Discipline: Development & Fundraising

Summary: Introverted gift officers navigate a demanding cycle of donor meetings and events that can be both rewarding and energetically draining. This session explores the unique strengths introverts bring to frontline fundraising, along with the challenges they face in high-interaction roles. Participants will gain strategies for sustaining well-being and managing energy in a profession built on constant connection.

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Creating Content & Community: The SUNY Broome MarCom Student Team
State (Event Level)

• Kerry Gallagher, Director of Marketing & Communications, SUNY Broome
• Matt Ebbers, Staff Associate for Photography & Videography, SUNY Broome
• Justine Dadamio, Special Events Coordinator, SUNY Broome

Discipline: Leadership & Professional Development; Marketing Communications

Summary: SUNY Broome's social media game is the best it's ever been, with content created by students, for students – thanks, in large part, to the Office of Marketing & Communication's student assistant team. Learn how this student employment program has exceeded expectations by not only creating content but also building community on campus. The presenters will also share a moving story of empowering our greatest assets, complete with the lessons, trials, and triumphs of our journey so far.

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Does Higher Ed Need Another Podcast?
Capital (Event Level)

• Jordan Carleo-Evangelist, Sr. Director of Research & Advocacy Communications, University at Albany
• Erin Frick, Communications Specialist, University at Albany

Discipline: Public, Community & Government Relations

Summary: As colleges compete for the public's increasingly short attention span and at the same time face amplified pressure to prove the value they provide to society, is yet another podcast really the answer? The University at Albany is trying to find out with The Short Version. Launched in 2025, The Short Version tackles interesting topics and big, complicated ideas from across higher ed in a format designed to be engaging, informal, and... short. While not limited to research, many of the episodes focus on the ways UAlbany researchers are using science to expand our understanding of our world and help people in concrete ways. This session will explore the strategic communications goals and tactical decision-making that led to the podcast's launch. We'll also discuss the startup costs in time and resources, and how to have a frank conversation within your unit about whether it's time well spent.

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Why Focus Wins: Driving Brand & Enrollment Impact in a "Do-Everything" World
Anteroom (Lobby Level)

• Dennis Kennedy, Hudson Valley Community College
• Melissa Canet, Vice President, Client Services, Creative Communication Associates

Discipline: Marketing & Communications

Summary: Colleges and universities are under constant pressure to be everywhere at once, across every channel, platform and tactic, often with limited resources. But in practice, a “do-everything” approach can dilute impact, spread budgets too thin, and weaken results. This session makes the case for focus.

Drawing on data from dozens of higher ed campaigns, we’ll reveal which platforms and creative approaches truly drive brand and enrollment engagement and outcomes, and why more channels don’t necessarily mean more impact. Instead, success comes from strategically leveraging the right mix of media and messaging to clear campaign objectives. Featuring HVCC as a core example, we’ll show how a disciplined, streamlined strategy led to stronger performance across key metrics, including reach, conversion, cost per acquisition and message resonance. We’ll also explore what these insights reveal across institution types, including whether community colleges vs. four-year institutions benefit from fundamentally different approaches, or if the principles of effective brand and enrollment campaigns are universal. Attendees will leave with immediately actionable insights into what works and what doesn’t across today’s media landscape, along with a clear, practical framework for smarter media decisions that positively impact performance.

Vice Presidents Working Session
Anteroom

Discipline: Leadership & Professional Development

Summary: A working session exclusively for VPs, foundation executive directors, or their designees.

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An Introduction to the New Capital Region Higher Ed Alliance
Kelsey's (Lobby Level)

• Matthew Shaftel, Ph.D., President, Russell Sage College and Alliance Co-Chair
• Jennifer Hunold, Vice President of Business Insights & General Manager, The Martin Group

Discipline: Public, Community & Government Relations

Summary: In March, 16 Greater Albany colleges and universities celebrated the launch of the Capital Region Higher Ed Alliance, designed to shift the conversation around college attainment and highlight its benefits. This session will explore their message, “College Is a Brave Choice,” as a rallying cry for the higher education sector, and the process by which the alliance launched its collaborative effort to increase degree attainment in the region.

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Cracking the Social Media Influencer Code in Higher Education
Chambers (Lobby Level)

• Jessica Stallone, Senior Director of Brand and Communications, Stony Brook University

Discipline: Marketing & Communications

Summary: In an era where brand authenticity is currency, Stony Brook University identified and engage the right social media influencers without a massive talent budget. This session pulls back the curtain on a successful Influencer PR Box campaign that targeted over 90 influencers across the higher education landscape. We will explore the “Ball-Rolling Strategy”—a tiered approach to outreach that prioritizes brand affinity to generate organic content and social proof. Participants will learn about the rigorous “Brand-Safe” vetting process used to ensure alignment with university values and the legal nuances of positioning outreach as a “gift” rather than a “gig.” From identifying key internal stakeholders to mapping influencers across diverse audiences, including alumni, parents, and prospective students, this session provides a scalable blueprint for building an influencer pipeline that drives brand awareness and engagement.

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Community building through philanthropy: how a stick of butter launched a more inclusive community at Binghamton
Empire (Event Level)

• Michelle L. Gardner, CFRE, Senior Supervising Director of Foundation Relations, Binghamton University
• Diane Butler, Director, Binghamton University Art Museum
• Amanda Lynn, Coordinator of Education and Public Programs, Binghamton University
• Derek Scott, Committee Member and Art Museum Oral Historian, Binghamton University

Discipline: Development & Fundraising

Summary: In 2019, the Binghamton University Art Museum (BUAM) secured a modest programming grant from Art Bridges to accompany their loan of three works of art, including Robert Gober’s large-scale sculpture – a 40-inch-long beeswax stick of butter. Philanthropist Alice Walton founded Art Bridges in 2017 to expand access to American art in all regions of the U.S. by providing the financial, strategic and logistical support needed to borrow objects from their growing collection of American works of art and to develop related community programming. That initial collaboration has transformed BUAM by bringing world-class art to our campus, motivating donations from others, ensuring visitor access to our collection during the pandemic, celebrating the legacy of an iconic faculty member, and empowering staff hires for BUAM, all while tearing down barriers that diverse populations experience when visiting museums. With each grant, Binghamton is challenged to reach new audiences.

As a result, BUAM launched our most ambitious season to date in 2025-2026 with our seventh (!) collaboration. In addition to programming for the general public (featuring an exhibition created as an online pandemic teaching resource, but never before installed), the collaboration brought together 450 Grade 2-5 area youth (connecting music with art), individuals with Down syndrome (our first neurodiverse docents!), blind and low-vision visitors (our first braille invitation!), and a broader accessibility-focused audience overall. Leveraging unique campus assets with philanthropy and community building, this session is appropriate for all SUNYCUAD attendees, regardless of track!

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From Affinity Gathering to Homecoming Powerhouse: How Collaboration Built a Signature Tradition and Raised $100K
State (Event Level)

• Robby Griswold, Director of Alumni Affinity Programs, Stony Brook University
• Emma Backfish, Coordinator of Alumni Affinity Programs, Stony Brook University

Discipline: Alumni & Events

Summary: What began as a grassroots gathering hosted by the Stony Brook Alumni Kappas has evolved into one of Stony Brook University’s most anticipated Homecoming traditions: the “HomeKoming” Scholarship Gala—A Sneaker Ball, a formal-meets-fun celebration that has united more than 200 donors and generated over $100,000 in scholarship support for underrepresented students. This session explores how transparent collaboration between alumni volunteer leaders and key Advancement partners—Leadership Annual Giving, Marketing and Communications, Project Management, and Alumni Relations—transformed a small alumni initiative into a high-impact philanthropic tradition. Rather than presenting a one-size-fits-all model, the session highlights adaptable principles for empowering alumni leadership, building trust through shared decision-making, designing culturally resonant events, and leveraging cross-functional coordination to support volunteer-driven initiatives. Attendees will gain practical insights they can tailor to strengthen affinity-based engagement and partnership on their own campuses.

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'A Renaissance Man?': How working a Renaissance faire prepared me for higher education comms
Capital (Event Level)

• Tim Nekritz, Director of Communications, SUNY Oswego

Discipline: Marketing & Communications

Summary: Long before his journey into higher education, Tim Nekritz spent 15(!) years working at the Sterling Renaissance Festival in Cayuga County. Little did he know how surprisingly well this would prepare him for later roles in university communication. Lessons like the importance of improvisation, engagement, storytelling, showing > telling, problem-solving, use of persona, and many more continue to live in his brain. (He might have worn tights too, but there are very few photos from back then.) Tim will aim to provide an engaging, entertaining, and educational presentation that will show participants how tapping into their own backgrounds and stories can better prepare them for slaying dragons, rescuing those in distress, and writing happy endings.

Vice Presidents Working Session (continued)
Anteroom Room

Discipline: Leadership & Professional Development

Summary: A working session exclusively for VPs, foundation executive directors, or their designees.

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Not throwing away my shot: Creating an engaging enrollment marketing campaign
Kelsey’s (Lobby Level)

• Jacqueline Rowe, Director of Enrollment Marketing, Stony Brook University

Discipline: Marketing & Communications

Summary: In enrollment marketing, we’re often "young, scrappy, and hungry," tasked with building legacies on limited budgets. This session explores how to revolutionize your outreach using AI Agents and custom GPTs to scale personalized, multi-channel campaigns. From perfecting your "first shot" follow-up to leveraging student stories, learn how to prioritize the "million things" on your plate. Master the tools to reclaim your time, improve ROI, and ensure your institution is in the room where it happens.

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AI + BI = ROI: Leveraging No-Code Tools to Strengthen Metrics, Insights, and Fundraising Outcomes
Chambers (Lobby Level)

• Ben Wendrow, Associate Vice President, SUNY Oneonta

Discipline: Development & Fundraising

Summary: Advancement teams today are expected to do more with less - yet few have the time, staffing, or technical resources to introduce sophisticated analytics or AI tools. This session demystifies “no-code” artificial intelligence and business intelligence and shows how every shop, regardless of size, can immediately apply them to strengthen fundraising strategy and results. Through real-world examples, participants will learn how AI and BI can streamline processes, reduce expenses, surface actionable donor insights, and improve program ROI. Attendees will leave with practical frameworks, tool recommendations, and ready-to-use models they can implement the moment they return to campus.

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Hear Ye, Hear Ye: How Higher Ed Can Break Through the Noise
Empire (Event Level)

• David Belsky, CEO, Good Rebellion

Discipline: Public, Media & Government Relations

Summary: Come forth, communicators of higher learning – thy moment is now! In a time when politics presseth from one side, AI floodeth the commons with endless words, and workforce demands shift like wind through the halls of lecture, higher education findeth itself too oft unheard, misunderstood, or reduced to caricature. In this session, attendees will journey through a modern revival of storytelling, where institutions reclaim their voice with clarity, courage, and craft. Together we shall explore why the old ways of messaging falleth flat, and how to forge narratives that earn attention, withstand scrutiny, and kindle trust across media, policymakers, employers, and within thine own communities. Make haste, then. Bring thy thorniest challenge and leave with a sharper story worthy of this new renaissance.

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Reviving Campus Events: The Power of Collaborative Partnerships
State (Event Level)

• Tenley Peak, Associate Director of Alumni Affinity Programs, Binghamton University
• Megan Hall, Coordinator of Student and Young Alumni Programs, Binghamton University

Discipline: Alumni & Events

Summary: Successful campus events don’t happen in isolation—they thrive when diverse campus partners come together with a shared vision and coordinated effort. This session explores the essential role of collaboration in planning and executing impactful events, from aligning stakeholders to leveraging resources and expertise across departments. Attendees will gain practical strategies for building strong partnerships, navigating institutional silos, and fostering a culture of teamwork that enhances engagement, attendance, and overall event success. By embracing collaborative approaches, campuses can revitalize events and create experiences that leave a lasting impact on students, alumni, and the broader university community.

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Out In the Field: Navigating Safety, Bias & Belonging as an LGBTQ Gift Officer
Capital (Event Level)

• Robert Baird, Associate Director of Advancement, University at Buffalo
• David Draper, Associate Vice President of Advancement, University at Buffalo

Discipline: Development & Fundraising

Summary: LGBTQ gift officers often navigate complex dynamics in donor-facing roles, where questions of safety, bias, authenticity, and belonging can shape their daily work. This session explores the unique experiences of LGBTQ advancement professionals and the strategies they use to build trust, maintain well-being, and foster inclusive relationships with donors and colleagues. Participants will gain insight into creating supportive environments that empower LGBTQ staff in frontline fundraising roles.

The Culture Shift: A Step-by-Step Journey
Kelsey’s (Lobby Level)

• David Whitmore, Vice President for Advancement/Executive Director, Binghamton University
• Karin Botto, Executive Director, Talent Learning & Organization, Syracuse University
• Lauren Villanueva, Vice President, Alumni and Constituent Engagement, Syracuse University

Discipline: Leadership & Professional Development

Summary: Building and sustaining a strong organizational culture requires more than policies or leadership directives—it requires the active involvement of staff at every level. In this session, we will provide step-by-step guidance on developing a team culture in your organization.

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Annual Giving: Now with 50% More Modernization (and 50+ Years of Experience)
Chambers (Lobby Level)

• Dan Doyle, Senior Director of Development, University at Albany
• Dawn Baumgarten, Executive Director of Development, University at Buffalo

Discipline: Development / Fundraising

Summary: From the advent of paper pledge cards and phone rooms to AI-powered personalization and digital migration, today's playbook looks very different…but some of the classics still win every time. Join two SUNY advancement pros with 50+ combined years of experience (yes, really!) as they take you on a fast-paced, entertaining tour through the past, present, and future of annual giving. We’ll unpack modern trends, showcase tech that actually makes your life easier, and highlight which tried-and-true strategies from “back in the day” still deserve a place in your toolkit. Whether you’re brand-new to annual giving or you’ve been talking LYBUNTs and SYBUNTs since flip phones were cutting-edge, you’ll walk away with practical insights, a refreshed perspective on where our field is heading, and possibly a few laughs. And in true annual giving spirit…participation is strongly encouraged!

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Free Community College: Connecting (or Reconnecting) with Adult Learners
Empire (Event Level)

• Kelly Gallagher, Director of Marketing, Communications & Public Relations, SUNY Broome
• Matt Ebbers, Staff Associate for Photography and Videography, SUNY Broome
• Justine Dadamio, Special Events Coordinator, SUNY Broome

Discipline: Marketing & Communications

Summary: SUNY Broome is proud to have some of the system's strongest Reconnect enrollment numbers, a success which can be attributed to an outstanding effort by all departments, including the Office of Marketing & Communications. Since the program was announced, it has been the College's top marketing priority, with dedicated placements on all available channels, and a first-ever new student event, called the SUNY Broome Social, to welcome and celebrate adult learners. Our enrollment has increased by more than 20%, and more than 700 new adult learners in Reconnect programs from Fall 2025 are enrolled for Spring 2026, which is more than 83%.

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Building International Alumni Networks & Communities: Why, Where, When, What, Who & How?
State (Event Level)

• Wei Loon Leong, Director, Intl. Alumni & Affinity Group Engagement, University at Buffalo

Discipline: Alumni & Events

Summary: This session provides a comprehensive overview of international alumni engagement strategies at the University at Buffalo. It explores the purpose and value of building global alumni networks and communities, emphasizing the role of engagement in fostering lifelong connections, advancing institutional goals, and laying the groundwork for philanthropy. Through an examination of the “Why, What, Where, When, Who and How” of alumni engagement, the presentation highlights global network demographics, the evolution of international programs, and the strategic considerations behind expanding alumni communities in key regions. The presentation outlines practical approaches to cultivating volunteer leadership, leveraging LinkedIn and other digital platforms for outreach, and using events—both in-person and virtual—to build momentum and local ownership. It also demonstrates how engagement methods vary across cultures and platforms, from WhatsApp groups to WeChat networks, and showcases examples of successful chapters and programmatic activities across Asia and beyond. Finally, the presentation introduces the Alumni Engagement Scorecard and key success factors, encouraging collaboration, measurement, and innovation as essential components of global alumni engagement.

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From Burnout to Buy-In: Designing an Intentional, Mission-Driven Social Media Workflow That Actually Works
Capital (Event Level)

• Rachel Eyler, Content Creator Specialist, Stony Brook University

Discipline: Graphic Design, Social Media & Marketing Communications

Summary: This session explores how to design a sustainable, mission-driven social media system that reduces burnout, supports teams of varying sizes, and moves strategy beyond trend-chasing. By taking a deep dive into real-life examples of social media audits conducted across Stony Brook’s Division of Student Affairs—including professional, student-led, and hybrid teams—participants will learn how to clarify the purpose of their channels, build flexible content pillars, and implement a practical four-week execution workflow. The session also highlights how AI can be thoughtfully integrated into content execution to reduce cognitive load while preserving authenticity. Attendees will leave with an adaptable framework they can apply immediately, regardless of team capacity or tools.

Higher Ed in the Spotlight: Government Relations and Strategic Communications in an Evolving World
Kelsey's (Event Level)

SUNY System Admin Panelists:

• Kyle Adams, Associate Vice Chancellor for Marketing & Creative Strategy
• Gary Ginsburg, Chief Communications Officer
• Holly Liapis, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Communications & Press Secretary
• Will Schwartz, Vice Chancellor for Government Relations

Moderator: Juliana Hernandez-Commisso, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Policy Implementation and Deputy Chief of Staff

Discipline: Public, Media & Government Affairs

Summary: This presentation will focus on the need to keep up government relations and strategic communication strategies at a time when higher education is under scrutiny from all angles. Leaders from SUNY Government Relations, Communications, and Marketing will discuss their inter-departmental collaboration effort to ensure that SUNY’s message is being conveyed in a modern manner that rises to the moment. The success of this collaboration is vital to SUNY’s success in budget advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and building relationships that can help to advance the System’s priorities when it matters most.

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This is How UAlbany Does Commencement
Chambers (Lobby Level)

• Christy Doyle, Director of University Events, University at Albany
• Peter Evans, Associate Director, University Events, University at Albany
• Meghan Wilkinson, Assistant Director, University Events, University at Albany

Discipline: Alumni & Events

Summary: Commencement (www.albany.edu/commencement) has been re-imagined at the University at Albany and, while our events are rich in pageantry and tradition, they are also unique and innovative, particularly in how and when graduates cross the stage. But don’t just take our word for it… join us for an immersive experience where you become the graduate and participate in our one-of-a-kind Stage Crossing! In this session, UAlbany’s University Events team will share their story and offer scalable takeaways, actionable ideas, and inspiration for you to re-imagine your Commencement along with other institutional events.

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Balancing Storytelling and Performance: Trust, Metrics and Outcomes
Empire (Event Level)

• Russ Nunley, Chief Marketing Officer, Alfred State College
• Lukas Perry, Associate Director of Digital Marketing & Web, Alfred State College

Discipline: Marketing & Communications, Graphic Design

Summary: In a time of renaissance for higher education and renewed interest in both the art of storytelling and the science of results, communications teams face a dual mandate: tell authentic human stories that build trust while also proving impact through metrics and outcomes. This session offers a practical framework for balancing both, helping campuses move beyond proclamations shouted in the town square and toward participatory storytelling shaped by real voices, real impact, and measurable value.

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Scholarship Re-imagined: A New Renaissance at the Renaissance School of Medicine
State (Lobby Level)

• Samantha LaDuca, Executive Director, Health Sciences, Stony Brook University

Discipline: Development & Fundraising

Summary: This session highlights how the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University is expanding its scholarship endowment program by strategically engaging alumni—both those who have never been asked and those who have fallen out of touch. By taking a more intentional, relationship-driven approach, the school is uncovering new opportunities for major gifts and reigniting interest among past supporters. The presentation will explore practical tactics for identifying strong alumni prospects, rebuilding connections, and presenting a compelling case for support that motivates meaningful investment. It will also touch on how well-designed match opportunities can enhance the ask and help catalyze momentum. Attendees will gain actionable insights into revitalizing donor engagement, strengthening the major gift pipeline, and driving sustainable growth in scholarship philanthropy.

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Developing a Proactive Prospect Program
Capital (Event Level)

• Kara O’Neil, Associate Director of Prospect Research, University at Buffalo
• Amanda Legasse, Senior Prospect Research Analyst, University at Buffalo

Discipline: Advancement Services

Summary: Join the University at Buffalo Prospect Research team for an exploration of our referral program and processes and tips on how you can institute a proactive referral program at your institution. We’ll explore sources for referral identification, best practices for inspiring fundraisers to act on referrals, methods of automating and tracking referral activity in your CRM, and ways to evolve your program to meet current fundraising needs.

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Merchandise Tracking: How to MacGyver an Automated Inventory Management System
Anteroom (Lobby Level)

• Sean Gribbin, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Stony Brook University

Discipline: Marketing & Communications

Summary: If you work in marketing, chances are that at some point you are going to have to order merchandise and giveaways. And when you are spending maybe thousands of dollars of your allocated budget on this merch, you definitely want to make sure you are efficiently planning out and tracking your usage (and making sure nothing disappears). However, if you are spending so much on giveaways already, paying for an inventory management system (IMS) may not be feasible for your budget. So you turn to spreadsheets, hoping your entire team makes sure to manually update it for every single pen they take. But is that realistic? What if there was a better way to build an in-house IMS, rather than pay for a digital product? Like MacGyver – the series about a secret agent who can create complex tools from everyday items – you too can make a fully automated IMS using just three things your team probably uses every day: Google Sheets, Qualtrics, and printed QR codes. In this session, you will learn how to build a simple Qualtrics form that automatically feeds into a Google Sheet tracking all inventory, organizing it, and allowing for effective data analysis. And the best part? This IMS allows for item-specific QR codes, empowering your staff to easily update your inventory on their phones in the moment, without having to worry about them remembering to do so on the computer afterwards.

ADA Title II in Action: Achieving Accessibility, Compliance & Brand Excellence in Digital Comms
Chambers (Event Level)

• Gabriella Czerw, Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, Stony Brook University

Discipline: Graphic Design / Marketing & Communications

Summary: This session presents a real-world case study from a SUNY institution navigating updated ADA Title II digital accessibility requirements while maintaining a cohesive and recognizable Student Affairs brand. As New York State agencies, SUNY institutions are required to meet WCAG 2.2AA standards, with large campuses serving more than 50,000 community members facing an April 2026 compliance deadline. The presenter will share how Student Affairs approached this work as a strategic digital initiative rather than a compliance only exercise. Attendees will learn how a centralized audit process was created, how existing relationships across departments were leveraged to sustain participation and accountability, and how accessibility and brand alignment were addressed together without compromising either. The session will walk through the full lifecycle of the initiative, including planning, internal education, auditing digital content, prioritization, remediation, and preparing teams for long-term compliance. Special attention will be given to decision making around exceptions, resource constraints, and communicating requirements clearly to nontechnical stakeholders. Participants will leave with practical insights, adaptable tools, and a clearer understanding of how cross-functional collaboration can help accessibility initiatives mature beyond compliance into sustainable, student-centered digital practice that supports both institutional standards and the diverse needs of campus communities.

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Strengthening Alumni Connections Through a Revenue-Generating Career & Engagement Hub
Empire (Event Level)

• Angela Wambugu Cobb, Vice President of Advancement, SUNY Old Westbury
• Alexey Gutin, Co-founder & CEO, Web Scribble

Discipline: Development & Fundraising; Alumni & Events

Summary: This session will provide an inside look at SUNY Old Westbury’s successful implementation of a modern career services platform designed to better support alumni while generating new revenue for the institution. Attendees will learn how Old Westbury onboarded Web Scribble’s career center technology—an integrated ecosystem that connects students, alumni, and employers through job boards, career development tools, mentorship options, and data-driven insights. The platform streamlines job postings, career exploration, and employer engagement, creating a centralized destination where alumni can access employment opportunities, career resources, and personalized professional guidance.

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From Concept to Takeoff: Coordinating a Presidential Alumni & Friends Trip Through Strategic Advancement Collaboration
State (Lobby Level)

• David Draper, Associate Vice President of Development, University at Buffalo

Discipline: Development & Fundraising

Summary: Presidential alumni and friend travel programs are among the most visible and high-impact engagement strategies within advancement operations—but they are also among the most complex. Successfully planning and executing these trips requires intentional collaboration, disciplined project management, and continuous communication across multiple advancement functions. This session will provide a practical, step-by-step overview of the activities, timelines, and internal coordination required to deliver a successful Presidential alumni and friends trip. Drawing on real-world experience, presenters will highlight how a cross-functional advancement team—including the Senior Associate Vice President for Advancement, donor relations and stewardship staff, lead administrative professionals, an Associate Vice President serving as the trip point person, and frontline advancement officers—works together to align institutional priorities, donor strategy, presidential objectives, and flawless execution. Participants will gain insight into how clearly defined roles, consistent communication, and shared accountability allow advancement teams to manage risk, enhance the presidential experience, and maximize donor engagement before, during, and after travel.

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Maximizing ROI on Enrollment Outreach Through Your Slate CRM
Capital (Event Level)

• Alex Bodenham, Vice President of Enrollment Management, SUNY Morrisville
• Christopher Cirelli, Director of Enrollment Technology and Reporting, SUNY Morrisville

Discipline: Marketing Communications

Summary: Morrisville’s Vice President of Enrollment Management and Director of Enrollment Technology & Reporting collaborated to understand and leverage existing reports and build new data collection protocols and reporting in Slate to facilitate the analysis of counselor and marketing-generated leads for quality regarding the high-level objective of generating the most tuition revenue per dollar and unit of staff time invested. We will also share a couple of case studies regarding how we reallocated budget to higher-quality lead sources as part of our process of continuous improvement.