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. 37 states and 14 countries—Regent’s highest forum turnout to date.

But as the pandemic progressed, so did Regent’s long-term strategy.

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. “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 HARRIET WATKINS (SOE ’16) version of Regent’s signature United Night of Worship In the immediate wake of the pandemic, the (NOW) event with 20 churches represented alumni relations team launched a campaign— and more than 8,500 video views via social You Are Not Alone—to encourage and pray media sites and Regent’s website; an evening for students and alumni. They also hosted of unifying prayer prior to the November a leadership forum: “A Christian Leader’s election, featuring key leadership from the 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 School of Nursing, saw registrants from and inspiring “Zoom Room” interviews with

alumni who are making a difference in their careers and areas of influence.

Team alumni kicked off 2021 with a virtual vision board event to help alumni focus on their New Year goals and in early March they hosted their sweetest event yet—a virtual chocolate tasting where guests were shipped a box of chocolates in advance to sample during the tasting and learned about the confection’s journey from bean to bar.

“We are using these virtual gatherings to foster joy and community at a time when we need each other more than ever,” says Kaiser.

And it’s working. Participants across the board have responded with gratitude for the resources and support they have received through these events, for the opportunity to connect, and for the enjoyment and fun the virtual gatherings have provided.

To stay connected and learn more about future events, visit regentalumni.org.

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