Do you remember taking a walk through the central common of your old high school? If you think back to the day you did, then no doubt you walked by a number of these heavy brass plaques and wooden boards piled high with names of so-called upstanding community members-all to show off their money-in order to boost the library or erect the new gym. But let’s get real, did you ever stop to actually read them?
For decades, institutions have been largely stuck with a commemorative idea of clunky brass plaques as a way of saying thank you. Truer still, brass plaques are name-and-year lists that prove their uncommunicative nature. Schools have a rich history, which must be left in the past, and yet they also have much to offer in the future. Because of the technological advance, institutions find the best way of reaching students, alumni, and donors, way far different from dusty old brass plaques.
One of the most concerning things about campuses that are expanding is the geometry of the matter-one can only have so much wall space. They have ended up using up all the walls with regular plaques. Real-estate snag for schools-They need to save spaces in the hallway instead of making them even more loaded down with hardware.
Moreover, putting new names on a physical wall is an expensive and time-consuming process. Typically, you have to hire a stone engraver matching the original font, and then hope they don’t make any mistakes. It is a logistical conundrum that many administrators equate with an elephant in the room.
To cite a common example, space is one thing these old displays lack warfare, for a potential student or family coming to visit campus sees a name but not a real extent of the impact. This person does not know who the donor was nor the students who were transformed through that donation. Instead, their name is just another stone in the wall, becoming a part of the canvas of campus life.
This is where modern technology steps in to save the day. Touchstone Digital Solutions creates touchscreen software which helps high schools build their digital hall of fame and tell their story. By moving away from static displays, schools can create living, breathing testaments to their supporters.
When you implement interactive donor recognition walls, you completely change the user experience. You aren’t just looking at a name anymore. You can tap a screen and watch a video interview with the donor. You can read a short biography or see photos of the new science wing they helped build. We transform static halls of fame, plaques, and more into memorable interactive experiences.
Given their complete lack of physical bounds, these displays of your institution’s story can be served just about anywhere in the world. Whether this means somebody standing in a lobby or perhaps looking at their handheld phone, the overall experience was approached with great seamlessness and impact.
A digital approach offers limitless possibilities. Here are just a few ways schools are using this technology to highlight philanthropy:
- Showcasing detailed impact stories that show exactly where the money goes.
- Highlighting specific named scholarships and the students who receive them.
- Displaying current giving opportunities for active fundraising campaigns.
- Sharing annual giving reports in an engaging, easy-to-read format.
- Providing a deep dive into the school’s history and its founding supporters.
These features do more than just say thank you. They actively encourage future donations. When current parents and alumni see how beautifully others are recognized, it inspires them to get involved. It creates a culture of giving that provides an ROI beyond measure.
The first thought that might have crossed your mind is that managing all this digital content is a nightmare! Who wants to spend a fortune on grand wall displays to suffer from buggy or outdated software years later?That is a valid fear, especially for schools with limited IT resources.
Although Touchstone is a system with a cloud backend that acts as a school record management system, it decoupling focuses on the high-performance database; at the same time, it is lightning-fast in selecting images to augment the database as part of a highly complex system that can be managed by any staff member.
Schools can easily update content over time without the need for technical expertise. If a new donation comes in, an administrator can upload a photo and write a quick bio from their laptop. The cloud-based software helps schools effectively manage and update their online legacy, utilizing a well-rounded CMS that is both easy and intuitive for school users. Isn’t it that simple?
Embracing digital displays on your campus serves a more significant purpose than just touching up the modern appeal. It is symbolic of acknowledging the past while embracing the future. Professionalizing your image in the eyes of potential students and visitors translates the respect the institution has for its community.
By stepping away from wood and brass, you create a dynamic environment. You can recognize donors and fundraising campaigns in a way that truly matters through a digital hall of fame display. It gives your “proud partners” the recognition they deserve. Ultimately, it creates a legacy that never graduates.
What do you perceive as being most tricky while maintaining the existence of your school history? Do you think it is perhaps a good idea I can present before you some information so that you may consider digital opportunities for your alumni displays?
