Exploring the 2026 National Alumni Survey with Howard Heevner

What do alumni really think about their alma mater today, and what does that mean for the future of advancement?

On this super sized episode of Alumless, Ryan and Chris sit down with Howard Heevner, Co-Founder of the The National Alumni Survey, Executive Director of Annual Programs at the University of California, Berkeley, and Vice President and Consultant with CMAC, to unpack insights from the 2026 National Alumni Survey. Howard explains why the survey was launched and what it reveals about the changing relationship between institutions and their alumni.

The conversation explores generational shifts in philanthropic behavior and why Howard believes trust has become the most important currency in alumni engagement. The conversation continues with a discussion of the sector’s toughest questions: what may be broken in the traditional annual giving pipeline and how advancement leaders may need to rethink qualification, messaging, and donor journeys in the years ahead.

This episode of Alumless is made possible by our season sponsors Protopia, AlumnIQ, and Givzey, with additional support from Richmond Associates.