Episode 205

full
Published on:

16th Oct 2025

Your Morning Boost - External Relations and The Essential First Step to Digital Archives

Want to immediately boost alumni engagement? The secret is personalization, and your archives hold the key. In this concluding episode, Dr. Kristen Gwinn-Becker, CEO of History IT, explains how schools can effectively use a truly accessible digital archive for alumni and donor relations. The strategy is simple: connect donors and alumni with content about their personal experience—their photos, class events, or specific interests—to "move the needle further than a cold, general email." For schools ready to start, Dr. Gwinn-Becker emphasizes the essential first step: a strategic plan that begins with a comprehensive collection assessment. Don't just "jump in" and scan files only to lose them later; prioritize true preservation and accessibility through meticulous cataloging and tagging. Her final, most crucial advice for school leaders: start early and ensure your investment is focused on making materials searchable and meaningful, as this is where the real value lies. Key Takeaways: Learn how personalized archival content drives donor relations; understand the critical role of a collection assessment and strategic plan; and prioritize accessibility—the tagging and cataloging—to ensure your archive brings new value. Action: Dive deeper into preservation planning! Contact our guest Dr. Kristen Gwinn-Becker at www.historyIT.com or on social media at HistoryIT and #savehistory. Find out more about what we do: AWB Education - awbeducation.org Grundmeyer Leader Services - grundmeyerleadersearch.com Got a mailbag question?  Reach out to us at adam@awbeducation.org

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Thank You for Listening!  This has been an episode from The FowardED NetworkWhere we are Advancing Voices and Shaping Education. We are dedicated to supporting everyone invested in K-12 success: teachers, leaders, parents, and community advocates.

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This episode includes AI-generated content.

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About the Podcast

Your Morning Boost: The Weekly Reset for Educators
Midweek momentum for educators who want to lead with clarity, energy, and purpose.
Your Morning Boost is a weekly spark for educators and school leaders who want to lead, teach, and live with greater intention. Released every Wednesday morning, the show helps you push through the midweek grind with clarity, momentum, and purpose.

Produced by AWB Education and powered by the ForwardEd Network, the podcast blends practical classroom strategies with leadership insight and personal growth. Each episode delivers actionable ideas, reflective moments, and energizing encouragement to help you serve students well and finish your week strong.

If you care about growing as an educator while staying grounded and inspired, Your Morning Boost belongs in your Wednesday routine.
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About your host

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Adam Busch

With 25+ years of K–12 experience, Adam Busch is a seasoned educational leader and Director of Student Services specializing in legally sound systems and organizational compliance. As the host of Your Morning Boost, Adam leverages his background as a teacher, coach, and consultant to provide educators with the practical inspiration and mindful resets they need to lead with confidence.