Become a Class Agent

Objective 

The objective of the Catawba College Class Agent program is to engage the alumni community through class leaders and peers; enhance alumni relations, participation, and overall support of Catawba. Class Agents will work in conjunction with the Alumni and Development Office to help build trust and goodwill between Catawba and its graduates. Help Catawba tell the story of where our good goes.

Strategy

Class Agents will effectively use their own network connections and contacts provided by the Development Team to communicate with alumni and peers about college-related events, initiatives, programs, campaigns, and more. Through hand-written letters, paper solicitations, email appeals, and social media platforms, class agents will share their knowledge and expertise. By positively and enthusiastically sharing their love for Catawba, class agents will reintroduce, recruit, and reinvigorate others into getting involved with Catawba beyond their time at the college.

1. Must be an alumnus within the graduating class.
2. Must be a current donor (Donated the last and/or current fiscal year).
3. Desire to increase alumni giving and participation.
4. Willingness to engage in on-going communication with classmates and staff.

Your Responsibility 

We are grateful for your commitment to serving as a class agent. We understand that life is busy enough so it is crucial that we proactively equip you with all vital information that is humbly requested of a Catawba College class agent.

• Lead by example: actively financially support the Catawba Fund or another designation of your choosing by May 31^st.
• Attend meetings: 1 informal, in-person gathering at Homecoming each year and 1 formal spring meeting via Zoom or in-person.
• Serve a 2-year term with your 1st year focusing on class agent tasks and your 2^nd year partnering with a new program agent to conjointly continue relationship building between agents.
• Spend time (15 minutes to 1 hour biannually) on a brief, personal appeal that can be used at the discretion of the Development Office for annual giving purposes.
• Engage classmates: 10 (or more!) with the ultimate goal that they contribute to the college
• Participate in outreach during 3 pivotal times of the year:
  September – Day of Giving
  December – End of Calendar Year
  May – Conclusion of Fiscal Year
• Consider serving as a reunion volunteer during milestone reunion years or recommend classmates that will actively participate.
• Share your time, talents, and treasures with your alma mater and let others know how much you love doing so!

Support and Resources

Your job as a class agent is important to us! The Development Team and Director of Annual Giving will provide class agents with the appropriate resources and tools to ensure they are successful in their roles. Here’s what we strive to offer:

• A positive onboarding experience with clearly defined expectations
• Sample language for solicitation opportunities
• Talking points that address campus initiatives, milestones, and/or policy changes
• At minimum, quarterly updates regarding engagement opportunities, institutional advancement, and other college related events
• Access to alumni e-newsletter and other relevant alumni communication
• Early updates regarding momentous philanthropic contributions
• Opportunity for positive and constructive improvement
• Post year-end review and reflection
• Periodic swag and college merchandise offered to active members