Using Student Engagement to Predict Alumni Donors: An Analytical Model

Authors

  • Nicholas E. Rau University of Miami
  • T. Dary Erwin James Madison University

Keywords:

advancement, fundraising, nonprofit educators, undergraduate experience, philanthropy to universities

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to use undergraduate student engagement data in a longitudinal design to predict alumni donor behavior 8 years later. A multiple discriminant function classified 69.7% of alumni donors or non-donors in the calibration sample (n = 376) and 62.8% in the cross-validated sample (n = 591). Predictor variables contributing the most value were Varied Educational Experiences and Being Invited to Events. Satisfaction Plus Quality of Campus Relationships offered only a minor contribution to future giving behavior.

Published

2015-03-26

Issue

Section

Articles