University of Western Macedonia’s Journey to an Engaged Alumni Network

Discover how alumni software can help build and manage a comprehensive alumni database, improving engagement and communication.
63% Alumni Database Activated
Rapid signups and profile creation across multiple batches within the first month
24 Job Opportunities
Posted via the Job Exchange module to support alumni career growth
~200 Hours of Engagement
Platform activity recorded in analytics, reflecting strong alumni interaction
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Introduction

Founded in 2003 and later merged with the Technological Education Institute of Western Macedonia, the University of Western Macedonia (UoWM) operates across multiple cities with its central campus in Kozani. As a young and growing institution, UoWM wanted to reconnect with alumni and build an engaged alumni community — but they needed the right technology and approach to do it.

Challenges

  • No alumni relations team: UoWM lacked an internal team to manage alumni outreach and operations.

  • No alumni connect infrastructure: The university had limited tools and systems to locate, engage, or serve alumni.

  • Need to start from scratch: UoWM required a solution that allowed them to begin alumni relations operations quickly and with a small team.

Solution

UoWM chose AlmaShines to power its alumni relations from the ground up. Key elements of the solution:

  • Tailored platform configuration: AlmaShines configured a customized alumni portal for UoWM to reflect the university’s brand and priorities.

  • Local-language support: The platform was fully translated into Greek to ensure accessibility and adoption among alumni.

  • Light-touch operations: AlmaShines enabled the university to run alumni operations effectively with a small central team.

  • Feature-rich modules: Job Exchange, Mentoring, Digital Alumni Cards, Interest Groups, and Peer-to-Peer Invitations were included to drive value and engagement.

Implementation & Launch

  • Onboarding month: February 2021.

  • Portal launch: 18 March 2021.

  • Awareness & adoption: UoWM ran targeted campaigns, peer invitations, and social media outreach to spread awareness and accelerate sign-ups.

Platform Features Delivered

  • Job Exchange: Alumni and students can share and discover career opportunities.

  • Mentoring: Alumni volunteer as mentors for current students.

  • Digital Alumni Cards: Eliminated physical cards and simplified verification.

  • Interest Groups & Business Connect: Facilitated topic-based networking and professional collaboration.

  • Peer-to-peer invitations & Social media integration: Fast, organic growth in registrations and engagement.

Key Outcomes (30 days post-launch)

  • 63% of alumni database activated — rapid signups and profile creation across batches.

  • 24 job opportunities posted via the Job Exchange module.

  • ~200 hours of platform activity captured in analytics, indicating strong engagement.
    All of this was achieved in the first month after going live.

Conclusion

UoWM’s experience shows that even institutions with limited staff and resources can build meaningful alumni relations quickly with the right technology and execution. AlmaShines enabled UoWM to create value for alumni and students while delivering measurable outcomes within 30 days.

Ready to build your alumni community? Contact us to learn how AlmaShines can be configured for your institution.

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