On Alumless World this week, hosts Nicole and Ryan sit down with Dr. Serge Sych, Senior Lecturer and Pro-Rector for Stakeholder Engagement at the International Business School in Budapest, for a conversation about leading alumni engagement and institutional advancement during times of political disruption and uncertainty.

Drawing on his experiences as Vice President for Alumni Relations at Central European University during the school’s forced relocation from Budapest to Vienna, Serge reflects on what it means to build a culture of engagement and philanthropy in a region where those traditions are still emerging—and in an environment that can shift dramatically due to politics and global events.

The episode explores Serge’s work in pioneering integrated alumni relations models, launching Central Europe’s first annual fund and reunion giving program, and mobilizing alumni support to defend academic freedom. From his research on the professional identities of alumni relations leaders to his current role as an educator and CASE/EAIE faculty member, Serge offers global insights for advancement professionals navigating complex institutional landscapes.

Subscribe to Alumless World to hear the extended podcast conversation. Special thanks to AlumniQ for sponsoring this episode. Visit alumniq.com for more details about their unique approach to boosting alumni events and volunteerism.

In this episode of Alumless World, Ryan and Nicole welcome Emily Robin, Associate Dean for Advancement at London Business School, for a conversation about leading advancement in a global context. With experience spanning the U.S., France, and the UK, Emily shares insights into philanthropic cultures across different regions, strategies for building high-performing advancement teams, and how LBS is leveraging the “Forever Learning” approach to engage a diverse alumni base worldwide.

The discussion explores how institutions can balance global and local engagement, the role of digital transformation in advancement, and the emerging trends shaping the field of alumni and donor relations. Emily reflects on her leadership journey, her work with CASE, and the skills advancement professionals need to thrive in an international environment.

Subscribe to Alumless World to hear the extended podcast conversation. Special thanks to Protopia for sponsoring this episode. Visit protopia.co/alumless for more details about the technology everyone is talking about.

In this episode of Alumless World, hosts Ryan Catherwood and Nicole Kempton welcome Prince Louis Omolayo Adekola, Founder and CEO of Edvant Edge Africa, for a conversation about the evolving landscape of alumni engagement in West Africa. As a leader in international education and advancement, Louis brings unique insights from his work as a Regional Officer for the University of Sussex, his experience as a Chevening Scholar, and his leadership of The International Education Africa Summit & Awards.

The discussion explores how international student recruitment influences long-term alumni engagement, the key differences between Nigerian and UK university alumni networks, and the emerging trends shaping alumni relations across Africa. Louis also shares strategies for building alumni loyalty in globally dispersed communities, the role of social media in professional networking, and how cultural perspectives impact philanthropy and alumni giving patterns in West African institutions.

This episode provides valuable insights for institutions looking to engage alumni in international contexts and learn from the innovative approaches emerging across Africa. Subscribe to Alumless World to hear the extended podcast conversation. Special thanks to AlumniQ for sponsoring this episode. Visit alumniq.com for more details about their events-and-all technology that makes managing signature programs simple.