November 2004
Use of the Internet Continues to Increase
Prior to 2003, the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation had limited Internet usage consisting only of the official Sigma Nu web-site and the use of e-mail. In the last 2 years, we have added many new methods of communicating with alumni online. The first such tool we implemented is called Live Meetings which allows communication via the Web and telephone simultaneously. We were the first among Greek Foundations to implement this mode of communication. This service affords our development staff the opportunity to hold "virtual meetings" with alumni. We've found this to be especially helpful when meeting with alumni who live in remote areas.
Left to Right: Josh Nay, Kevin Weaver, James Owens & Michael Long

In December of 2003, the Foundation initiated our first electronic solicitation. This "flash" presentation was e-mailed to over 29,000 alumni and grossed more than $75,000. This medium provides a cost effective method of communicating with alumni while allowing us the opportunity to take advantage of recent technology. The Foundation received an award for the Best Alumni Development Effort for our creation of this interactive presentation.

In August of 2004, our Foundation lead the way again with The Six Degrees of Sigma Nu. . . The Stoffer Challenge. This innovative campaign was designed to help Sigma Nu reconnect with our lost brothers. Brother William K. Stoffer (Albion) was so interested in this concept that he pledged $1.00 per e-mail address (up to $5,000) for each updated e-mail address we received. This campaign was a huge success gathering over 5,400 new e-mail addresses of Sigma Nu members. In the spirit of "The Six Degrees of Sigma Nu" we would ask, if you have not done so already, please update your records with us by clicking here. (Note: The technology used in developing this viral campaign is so new that our service provider, The Pursuant Group, is patenting the process.)

The Foundation's web-site has a recent new addition. The Planned Giving section of the site was completely overhauled and now includes over 100 articles and brochures to help our alumni make planned giving decisions. Since July of 2001, the Foundation has seen planned gift expectancies increase from $2.7 million to over $4.2 million.

Our latest addition is this periodical, THE ROCK! This online newsletter, which is available to all alumni via e-mail and the Web, will allow the Foundation to better communicate with alumni in a timely manner while reducing our costs. Each issue of THE ROCK! will feature general interest articles, highlights on Fraternity and chapter matters, updates on Foundation programs and other information pertaining to Sigma Nu.

Starting next month, the inaugural edition of the Foundation News Briefs Online will make its debut. This will be an online version of the printed publication which was developed a few years ago for the supporters to the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation.

What does the future hold? With improved technology, cost effectiveness and timeliness, I only know that Internet-based communication will become an integral part of our overall communication strategy.