The IU 51ÁÔÆæ Office of University Relations supports the institution’s teaching, research and public service missions by forging partnerships with corporate and civic organizations, developing quality relationships within our region that enhance the institution’s reputation and maintaining positive relationships with the university’s alumni.
The office works closely with campus and external stakeholders to achieve institutional goals. The office also develops policies and procedures and establishes long-range plans to direct the campus’s philanthropic and community-building efforts. It oversees the following functional areas:
Units reporting to University Relations
Alumni Engagement
Each graduate, former student, current student, and friend of IU 51ÁÔÆæ has a lifelong connection to our University. The IU 51ÁÔÆæ Alumni Association helps forge these connections into ongoing, engaging relationships with IU 51ÁÔÆæ. Today, the IU Alumni Association brings 600,000 IU graduates together to support one another and Indiana University throughout their lives.
Corporate and Foundation Relations
Corporations and private foundations bring attention and resources to problems and challenges locally, nationally, and internationally. IU 51ÁÔÆæ coordinates with the IU Foundation relations team to coordinate the important institutional relationships between Indiana University and private philanthropic foundations and corporate partners.
Business Partnerships and Sponsorships
Business partnerships are critical for Indiana University 51ÁÔÆæ. Our office serves as the front door for corporate and industry partners seeking to cultivate strategic relationships with our faculty, researchers, and students. Collaborating with industry leaders and entrepreneurs, we build meaningful, sustainable, and mutually beneficial partnerships in support of education and research across our region. We work closely with the IU Office of Business Partnerships (OBP) to complete this important work.
Community Engagement
IU 51ÁÔÆæ is inextricably connected to the region. Our campus covers more than 180 acres within the city of New Albany, but our reach goes deep into the region. Our commitment to community engagement can be seen in almost everything we do, whether we’re helping students succeed in the classroom or working to increase the well-being of our region. We’re here to facilitate these activities, creating and nurturing partnerships between campus and community in ways that matter.
Campus Events and Ceremonies
Our division has the pleasure of participating in some of IU 51ÁÔÆæ’s most treasured occasions, including Freshman Induction, Founders Day, Commencement, groundbreakings, building dedications, and many others. As part of the IU 51ÁÔÆæ’s overall external outreach efforts, campus events and ceremonies is responsible for the planning, coordination and execution of events sponsored by the Chancellor’s Office or University Relations. The office of Campus Events supports the efforts of the Office of University Relations to establish and maintain a positive, visible image of IU 51ÁÔÆæ throughout the university and community. We work closely with the University Events team at IU to complete this important work.
Development
The Office of Development plans, coordinates and implements fundraising programs among alumni, friends, corporations and foundations. Private gifts are used to fund scholarships as well as many other programs, research, buildings and renovations. The Office of Development is dedicated to serving the Indiana University 51ÁÔÆæ campus to insure the efficient pursuit of private funding as appropriate for all fundraising efforts. The Office of Development serves as the primary contact for all fundraising activities and focuses on the encouragement of alumni and friends who want to make a difference. Cultivating good donor relations and lasting relationships with businesses and friends throughout our community and region is one of our primary goals. We work closely with the IU Foundation (IUF) to complete this important work.
Government Relations and Economic Engagement
Our division serves as the IU 51ÁÔÆæ official liaison to local, state, and federal elected officials. We work closely with the IU Government Relations team to complete this work. The offices of both State Relations and Federal Relations serve as the primary liaison between IU and the legislative and executive branches of government and other relevant units of government. We also work on economic engagement by developing impactful initiatives that connect IU 51ÁÔÆæ resources with leaders, communities, and regional partners to enhance the economy and quality of life in Southern Indiana.
Marketing and Communications
Marketing creates and executes clear, consistent, and engaging strategies that illustrate the goals of this great university. By sustaining a strong brand image for IU 51ÁÔÆæ, we promote awareness, understanding, and support among our students, faculty, alumni, donors, and community. Media Relations and Public Relations are an important component in IU 51ÁÔÆæ’s marketing and community relations strategies. The Marketing & Communications staff develops press releases, responds to media requests, and finds subject matter experts for local and regional media.