Goosechase x University of Calgary: Engaging Alumni, One Mission at a Time

How did UCalgary get alumni engagement out of a funk with a spirited summer scavenger hunt? 👀

The University of Calgary (UCalgary) Office of Development and Alumni was facing a challenge in the summer:

How do you keep your alumni (new and old!) engaged when everyone's scattering for vacations, weddings, and family BBQs? These geese were flying the coop!

With over 6,000 fresh grads joining the flock each year, they needed an engaging (and easy) way to make sure everyone—from fledgling grads to seasoned alumni—stayed connected and knew about all the perks of being part of the UCalgary family.

They tried the usual tricks in their toolkit (we’re looking at you, social media), but they just weren’t enough to keep up the momentum, especially in the summer months. So, they had two big challenges to crack:

• School’s out for the summer: Summer programming is notoriously quieter. Vacations and busy schedules meant alumni engagement during the warm months was cooler than they’d like.
• Welcoming new flockmates: June’s convocation brings a fresh batch of grads into the fold of alumni every year, but after the big event, engagement takes a nosedive. The Office of Development and Alumni wanted a way to educate new alumni on their perks and services, but traditional programming (like webinars or educational lectures) weren’t inspiring much participation.

Cue the scavenger hunt! Powered by Goosechase, the UCalgary team found a solution that kept alumni engaged no matter where they were—at home, on vacation, or chasing toddlers at a beach house. For three consecutive summers, the alumni scavenger hunt became a favorite annual event, drawing in participants with its mix of competitive Missions, nostalgic campus shout-outs, and, of course, awesome prizes.

Increased Alumni Engagement:

Since the scavenger hunt’s inception, over 100 alumni each year have participated in completing Missions that help them connect with their alma mater. From campus trivia to photo Missions involving iconic landmarks (who could resist snapping a pic with UCalgary’s famous rock?) participants jumped into the Experience with enthusiasm.

We found that the scavenger hunt format really worked for our alumni, especially in the summer when their schedules are more unpredictable. The flexibility of Goosechase let them participate at their own pace and on their own terms.
- Angela Brown, Director, Alumni Programs at University of Calgary

A Competitive Edge:

The buzz was real! Just 10 minutes after launching 2024’s hunt, over 90 Missions were already completed. Alumni didn’t just dip their toes in—they dove in, beaks first!

Long-Term Impact:

The scavenger hunt didn’t just keep alumni engaged in the moment—it also kept them in the loop long after the final Mission, as they used Missions to promote Fall programming. New grads discovered exclusive alumni perks, while long-timers got clued into programs they didn’t even know existed. The hunt wasn’t just a game—it was a bridge, connecting alumni to their alma mater for far longer than just the summer.

The UCalgary team spread the scavenger hunt over a fun-filled four weeks, inviting alumni to complete a mix of trivia and creative photo Missions that tugged at their heartstrings. Nostalgia? Check. Exploration? Double check. Whether they were scouring campus from afar or snapping pics of beloved landmarks, participants relived their university glory days and shared what they were up to in present day.

Goosechase’s interactive platform allowed the UCalgary team to track participation in real-time, dish out bonus points for extra creative submissions, and keep things exciting by releasing new Missions every week. The virtual format was a winner, giving alumni from all over the world a way to join in on the fun on their own time.

After three years of success, the UCalgary team has learned some valuable lessons about running large-scale, long-term scavenger hunts for a global audience:

• Start Early: Planning for the scavenger hunt begins months in advance, and the team recommends starting earlier than you think you’ll need to.

We underestimated how much time it would take to create Missions, collaborate across departments, and get everything set up the first time. Now, we start planning in February or March, and we get to enjoy the creative journey of putting it together without the rush!
Angela Brown, Director, Alumni Programs at University of Calgary

• Collaborate: The team collaborates with different faculties, departments, and campus groups to create unique Missions that keep participants interested and informed about current happenings on campus.
• Be Flexible: Not everyone’s going to interpret Missions the same way, and that’s okay! We like creativity. But be ready to tweak the Missions on the fly as needed, and even take away points for non-compliant submissions, to ensure everything stays fair and fun.
• Let Yourself be Surprised: Get creative with the competitive aspect! Some of the best submissions have been the ones no one saw coming.

UCalgary’s scavenger hunt has transformed the way they engage alumni, particularly during the traditionally slow summer months. With plans to continue evolving the scavenger hunt, including possible collaborations with alumni-owned businesses and ways to increase participation, the future looks good (and goose 😎) for alumni engagement at UCalgary.

With Goosechase’s interactive platform, virtual participation, and UCalgary’s creative programming, this annual tradition has become a success story that soars high every summer. 

Think Goosechase could be a fit for your organization? If you haven’t already, start by creating your first Experience. You can upgrade it at any time.

What is Goosechase?

At Goosechase, experience is everything. Originally inspired by scavenger hunts, Goosechase is an online platform that enables organizations and schools to engage, activate, and educate their communities through delightful interactive experiences. Sign up and try creating a free recreational Experience, or check out our Pricing!