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Abstract
This research examined a functional problem facing a graduate student support division at a southeastern metropolitan business school. The impact of alumni engagement on the institution’s current students, staff, and administration is highlighted in this study as the institutions have become reliant on their alumni population and are finding ways to engage their former students. Traditionally, attempts to engage alumni have been financially driven and directed toward undergraduate programs. The purpose of this research was to explore the impact of alumni involvement on a holistic cycle of engagement in public postgraduate business programs. This study reintroduced alumni to their alma mater through an alumni ambassador program geared toward developing current students. Alumni volunteer behaviors, motivations, and engagement were reviewed to determine the attributes of a robust nonmonetary relationship between alumni and their graduate program. The social exchange and student involvement theories were the basis for the program’s structure, as alumni interacted with current graduate students during developmental training to nurture these student leaders as the next generation of engaged alumni.