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CASE STUDY
How IDS built a thriving alumni network spanning 100+ countries
The Institute of Development Studies (IDS), ranked #1 worldwide for development studies, partnered with ToucanTech to launch their alumni network in 2016. Since then, IDS has created a vibrant digital hub that keeps thousands of alumni connected through news, events, and opportunities — all managed in one place.


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6,500+ alumni records stored in the IDS ToucanTech database

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54% opt-in rate for alumni communications

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42% average open rate for mass emails


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Michelle Cruickshank
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Just have fun with it, really. It’s alumni, you want to make it creative and interactive.”

Michelle Cruickshank, Former Alumni Relations and Engagement Manager at the Institute of Development Studies


University of Notre Dame & Hivebrite

The Challenge

Before ToucanTech, IDS needed a way to:

  • Bring together their large and global alumni base in one central platform
  • Communicate effectively with alumni while respecting data consent and GDPR regulations
  • Create opportunities for interactive, ongoing engagement with alumni worldwide

The Solution

In 2016, IDS adopted ToucanTech’s all-in-one alumni engagement platform, enabling them to:

  • Centralize alumni records: Over 4,500 alumni records are now stored and managed in one database.
  • Run an interactive online community: 1,304 members signed up to the IDS Alumni Network, joining events, sharing updates, and networking.
  • Streamline communications: With built-in consent management, IDS achieved a 54% opt-in rate, while their average 42% open rate shows strong engagement.
  • Deliver creative content: Their Yellow Monday newsletter has become a cornerstone of community life, attracting over 6,000 reads.

The Impact

IDS has transformed its alumni network into a truly international community. With strong newsletter readership and consistent email engagement, IDS keeps alumni connected no matter where they are in the world.

Plus, by combining database, communications, and community features into one system, IDS saves time while delivering a richer experience for alumni.


Beyond the Numbers

IDS’s approach to alumni engagement is as creative as it is effective. Their popular weekly newsletter, Yellow Monday, mixes academic updates with alumni news, job opportunities, and light-hearted content — giving members a reason to return week after week.

The IDS team embraces a playful, interactive style that resonates with their global community, proving that alumni engagement doesn’t have to be formal or formulaic. By making space for creativity and connection, they’ve built a network that feels alive and authentic.

“ToucanTech gave us the tools, but it’s the community that makes it special — from lively newsletters to interactive alumni features, it’s all about keeping the spirit of IDS going long after graduation.”

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