CSE survey provides key insights on alumni engagement
Decorative image collage of alumni events and past Inventing Tomorrow magazine cover

Alumni most interested in stories about faculty research, college news, and peer success

Earlier this year, the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering (CSE) conducted a comprehensive survey of CSE alumni in the United States to better understand engagement needs and offer more meaningful ways to connect.

The online survey, emailed to 45,432 CSE alumni, was focused on seeking input related to alumni events and the annual college magazine, Inventing Tomorrow. Results from 1,400 respondents revealed positive insights about the magazine, as well as regular alumni events. 

Key findings include:

  • Email ranked as the preferred way to receive information about college news (51%), events (57%), and fundraising opportunities (45%)—followed by the college magazine and college website.
  • Faculty research drew the most interest (24%), when alumni were asked to rank a list of topics they were most interested in learning more about—followed by college news and events (22%) and their U.S. alumni peers, specifically what alumni are doing and have accomplished (21%).
  • LinkedIn was the preferred social media channel (45%)—followed by Instagram (27%) and Facebook (20%).
  • Survey respondents are likely to recommend the college as a high-quality choice for both undergraduate (20.5%) and graduate students (21.1%) after reading the magazine.
  • The college magazine “inspired” and “informed,” noted respondents when asked to describe how they felt after reading the college magazine—other feelings included “proud,” “hopeful,” and “connected.”
  • Alumni social/networking events top the list of most attended college event (16%)—faculty research presentations (12%) were next, followed by college facility or lab tours (11%), guest lectures (11%), and sporting or homecoming event (11%).
  • The primary motivation for event participation is learning (23%), while busy schedules are the most common barrier. Two other top reasons for attending a college event: To stay informed about the college or professional topic (18%) and to network or socialize with other alumni (17%)

Results from this 2025 CSE Alumni Engagement Survey are guiding current, and future, content development and event planning activities.

The University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering’s Communications and Marketing team has conducted several phone surveys in the past, an online survey of international alumni in early 2020, and, more recently, two focus groups with alumni focused on the CSE Inventing Tomorrow magazine. Those surveys also drove decision making in key areas of college communications and events.

See recent issues online: Inventing Tomorrow archive

Inventing Tomorrow is published by the College of Science and Engineering for alumni and friends. Frequency has varied, from twice a year to annually now. 

To receive our digital magazine, email: [email protected]

 

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