Virtually Connected KEEPING ALUMNI AND STUDENTS CREATIVELY ENGAGED DURING THE PANDEMIC In a year when COVID-19 has been synonymous with cancellations, quarantines and social distancing, staying connected has become more important than ever. With the aid of Zoom technology and lots of creativity, Regent’s Office of Alumni Relations has successfully kept alumni and students engaged through hosting unique virtual events ranging from nights of prayer and worship to leadership forums, regional networking events and even a chocolate tasting. “We had to quickly pivot to new ways of working and connecting with our alumni,” says Lynanne Kaiser, executive director of Alumni Relations for Regent University.
37 states and 14 countries—Regent’s highest forum turnout to date. But as the pandemic progressed, so did Regent’s long-term strategy. “At first our focus was to help alumni and the broader Regent community get information, resources and support to maneuver through the challenges brought on by the pandemic,” shares Kaiser. “As time went on and it became clear that lockdowns and social distancing would continue indefinitely, we began to fully embrace platforms like Zoom to reimagine our events and meetings.”
Such events have included: a virtual version of Regent’s HARRIET WATKINS (SOE ’16) signature United Night of Worship (NOW) event with 20 churches represented In the immediate wake of the pandemic, the and more than 8,500 video views via social alumni relations team launched a campaign— You Are Not Alone—to encourage and pray media sites and Regent’s website; an evening of unifying prayer prior to the November for students and alumni. They also hosted election, featuring key leadership from the a leadership forum: “A Christian Leader’s Response to COVID-19.” The forum, led by areas of business, church, government, and the key faculty from Regent’s School of Divinity medical community to pray over our nation; and inspiring “Zoom Room” interviews with and School of Nursing, saw registrants from 8
