CMU Advancement earns national award for Campus Conversations series

Central Michigan University's commitment to building meaningful relationships with its alumni, donors and friends is earning national recognition.

CMU Advancement's "Campus Conversations" series has received a 2026 Best of CASE District V Award in the category of Targeted Constituent Engagement from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). The award recognizes the university's innovative approach to connecting its extended community with the people, programs and discoveries shaping CMU.

Designed to strengthen relationships and create new opportunities for engagement, Campus Conversations is a virtual series that brings alumni, donors, faculty, staff and friends together for interactive discussions about the university's academic excellence, research and student impact.

Each session features CMU faculty, staff and, often, students in a conversational format that encourages questions, dialogue and participation. Held live via Zoom at noon ET, the sessions are scheduled to accommodate participants across multiple time zones, making it easier for members of the CMU community to stay connected regardless of where they live.

The series also extends beyond the live experience. Each session is recorded and archived on CMU's Campus Conversations YouTube channel, providing an on-demand resource for those unable to attend and creating additional opportunities to engage with the university.

"Receiving this CASE award is a tremendous honor for Central Michigan University and a reflection of our commitment to building meaningful relationships with our alumni, donors and friends," said Jennifer Cotter, vice president of Advancement at CMU. "Campus Conversations creates opportunities to share the incredible work happening across our university while bringing our CMU community closer together. I'm incredibly proud of our Advancement team for their creativity, dedication and commitment to finding new ways to engage our constituents."

Campus Conversations was developed to provide consistent touchpoints with alumni and friends while highlighting university programs, initiatives and areas of excellence. The accessible format welcomes both longtime supporters and new audiences, helping strengthen existing relationships and introduce more people to the work happening across campus.

Over time, the series has become an important engagement platform for CMU, connecting participants directly with the people and stories that reflect the university's mission and impact.

The Council for Advancement and Support of Education is a global nonprofit association dedicated to educational advancement, including alumni relations, communications, development, marketing and advancement services. CASE supports and champions educational institutions in their efforts to transform lives and society.

Learn more about CMU’s Campus Conversations series here.