Frequently asked questions about alumni data and contact information:
- How do I get a list of alumni & their contact information?
- How do I update alumni contact information?
- What should I be tracking about my alumni interactions and why?
- When do I use ABE vs. LRM?
- What are other sources of alumni data?
How do I get a list of alumni & their contact information?
The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA) manages our CRM database, ABE. This database includes all alumni and current students of UW-Madison, including contact information, giving history, personal demographics, board membership, event attendance, employment and other helpful information. We encourage anyone who regularly interacts with alumni to be aware of this tool, and help to keep its information current.
If you frequently interact with alumni or receive contact information updates, you can request access to the database by contacting Shannon Timm. Training is required as information in this system is confidential.
If you are in need of contact lists for alumni, you can submit a list request from WFAA. List requests can generally be turned around within one week. If you have questions about how to submit a list request, or need guidance on the process, you may contact Natalie Singer or Sadie Schernikau.
If you have additional questions and would like to talk directly to someone on the ABE team at WFAA, you may submit a question at help@uwadvancement.org.
How do I update alumni contact information?
If you receive frequent updates from alumni, we recommend you get access to ABE, as you will then be able to make the updates in the system on your own.
If you do not receive updates often, you may also email them to help@uwadvancement.org and they will get the information updated for you.
What should I be tracking about my alumni interactions and why?
We strive for information about our alumni that is complete as possible so that we can better serve them and the School. If you regularly interact with alumni, we recommend you get access to ABE so that you are able to see who else may already be interacting with them throughout UW. This is helpful so that all staff members are up-to-date on the alum’s preferences and for the alum to have a seamless experience when speaking with any number of people connected to UW.
Below are things that should be tracked in ABE:
- Interactions: A recap of meaningful conversations you have with an alum about UW that may be helpful to others who talk with the alum.
- Event attendance: Alumni who attend events are often more connected and invested in WSB.
- Advisory board members: Occasionally, WSB Board Members receive additional communications and invitations throughout the year. It is important to keep your board members up to date in ABE to ensure they are receiving the correct correspondence.
- Communication preferences: