Alumni don’t give because they’re asked; they give because they remember. From old school trip photos to a long-forgotten team victory, your archive holds more than history, it holds multiple ‘memory triggers’.

In this post we explore how the past fuels alumni giving, and how schools and universities can turn their archives into powerful fundraising tools using platforms like SocialArchive.

The classrooms, corridors, and courtyards of a school are more than just bricks and mortar. For alumni, reconnecting with these spaces can unlock powerful memories and deepen their bond with their alma mater.

This article explores the concept of place attachment, the rising importance of virtual experiences, and how schools can use immersive digital tools like SocialArchive’s Virtual Spaces to reconnect with alumni, drive engagement, and inspire giving.

Planning a 50th, 100th, or even 150th anniversary? This article is packed with creative and practical ideas to help you celebrate in ways that are meaningful, engaging, and built to last.

From digital archives and alumni storytelling to immersive virtual tours and legacy campaigns, discover how to turn your next big milestone into a celebration with lasting impact.

Join us this May/June for our upcoming webinars exploring innovative ways to engage your alumni.

Whether you're looking to breathe new life into your archive or build a vibrant digital community, these sessions are packed with practical ideas and inspiration for schools and universities.

Discover how St Peter’s School transformed its digital archive by welcoming a university volunteer into the process. With minimal investment and the right tools from SocialArchive, they saved time, managed costs, and built a self-sustaining model that’s future-proof and engaging.

Learn how your school or university can do the same.

Today’s students expect content that’s personalised, engaging, and available whenever they need it, and careers education should be no exception.

This article explores how schools and universities can take inspiration from platforms like Netflix and Spotify to deliver on-demand, student-led careers advice through alumni stories, searchable archives, and digital tools.

Are likes and shares really enough?
Schools and universities are investing heavily in digital outreach, but many are stuck chasing vanity metrics. True alumni engagement goes beyond the scroll. It’s time to move past fleeting clicks and build lasting connections through smarter, nostalgia-driven content strategies. Here’s how.

Join us this April for two free webinars designed to help you boost your alumni engagement and advancement strategy.

Whether you're looking to reconnect with 'lost' alumni or explore how your school's shared history can fuel fundraising and community building, these sessions will offer practical insights, ideas, and inspiration.

From Apple’s iPod revival to Ford’s tribute to the classic Mustang, leading brands are using nostalgia to spark emotional connections and drive engagement. By celebrating their history through storytelling, they engage audiences across generations.

Schools and universities can do the same, tapping into their heritage to deepen alumni relationships, boost fundraising, and create a stronger sense of community. This article explores standout brand campaigns and the lessons they offer for the education sector.

Alumni networks are an often under-utilised resource for Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs), yet they hold immense potential. A strong alumni network can provide mentorship, career support, and fundraising opportunities, helping to level the playing field for state-educated students.

Discover how reconnecting with former students can inspire current pupils, bridge the social mobility gap, and strengthen your MAT’s long-term impact.

This month, we're bringing you a series of insightful webinars designed to help you strengthen alumni engagement, recover lost connections, and build a thriving digital community.

Whether you're looking to reconnect with 'lost' alumni, capture their stories, or create a digital home that fosters long-term engagement, these sessions will provide practical strategies and expert insights.

Alumni event attendance is declining, with institutions reporting a 40% drop in in-person participation over the past five years (CASE Alumni Relations Report, 2023). Rising travel costs, busy schedules, and geographical distance all play a role, but the challenge goes deeper…alumni engagement preferences have evolved.

How can institutions adapt? Read the full article to explore the shifting landscape of alumni engagement and the strategies shaping its future.

A school anniversary isn’t just about marking a milestone, it’s an opportunity to bring your community together through shared memories. Beyond speeches and reunions, the most powerful way to celebrate is by capturing the voices of your students and alumni.

Their stories of first days, unforgettable teachers, and life-changing moments, turn history into something deeply personal and lasting.

With tools like SocialArchive, you can easily collect, organise, and showcase these memories, ensuring your anniversary becomes a legacy for future generations.

This February, we’re excited to bring you two webinars designed to inspire and enhance your alumni engagement strategy.

Whether you're looking to leverage digital innovation or tap into the power of shared history, these sessions will provide valuable insights and actionable strategies to strengthen your connections in 2025.

When an alumnus shares a memory - whether it’s about a favourite teacher, a school assembly, or a life-changing moment, you’re hearing a piece of your institution’s living history. But what happens to that memory after it’s shared?

Capturing alumni recollections through oral and video histories transforms these fleeting moments into enduring records. Unlike static records, oral and video histories bring emotions, expressions, and personality to life creating a unique way for your community to engage with the past.

In this article, we discuss the transformative power of collecting these histories, the role they play in strengthening alumni bonds, and how platforms like SocialArchive make it easier than ever to collect and share these invaluable narratives.

Discover how to bring your school’s history to life by transforming your physical archives into an immersive virtual experience.

From preserving fragile materials to tapping into the power of memories, we help schools expand access, deepen alumni connections, and safeguard their heritage for future generations.

Read the full guide to see how our digital solutions can elevate your physical archives.

Kickstart 2025 with new ideas for engaging your alumni! This January, we’re thrilled to host two impactful webinars, tailored to help you elevate your alumni engagement strategy in the year ahead.

From digital innovation to tapping into shared history, these sessions are packed with insights and practical tips.

We’re excited to introduce Interactive Virtual Spaces, the latest innovation from SocialArchive! These immersive, digital experiences allow your alumni to explore iconic school spaces, revisit memories, and interact with your digital archives, no matter where they are in the world.

From preserving soon-to-be-renovated areas to showcasing your physical archives, Virtual Spaces offer a powerful way to bring your school’s legacy to life.

We were thrilled to sponsor the IDPE Development Awards once again, celebrating innovation in school fundraising and engagement.

This year’s winners showcased outstanding campaigns, proving that creativity and technology are key to overcoming the sector’s challenges. Watch the video as the winners are announced and discover the incredible work being done.

By leveraging the emotional power of heritage, schools and universities can transform their archives into strategic fundraising assets.

In this article, we explore how storytelling, interactive archives, and thoughtful donor recognition can use your school’s heritage to foster alumni engagement and encourage donations. Whether it’s celebrating past achievements or showcasing the impact of philanthropy, your archives hold the key to building a legacy of giving.