10 Alumni Publications That Are Also Great Magazines
Serving compelling content, these alumni magazines are anything but basic.
By Colleen Ringer
Alumni magazines serve a basic, but vital, function — they keep alumni connected to one another and to their alma mater. Meeting this need doesn’t require groundbreaking design or a compelling content strategy. But an alumni publication that serves only the basic need will always be just that: a basic alumni publication.
The best alumni magazines, though, are anything but basic. They’re pack-in-your-bag, afternoon-escape great publications.
We’ve worked on a number of alumni magazines over the years — including a few on this list — and have seen how the right choices in strategy, editorial and design can turn a magazine into one of the most effective tools for alumni engagement. When done well, the best alumni magazines become an essential tool for driving engagement and giving. Below, we share takeaways that can help any alumni publication better reflect its community and support institutional goals.
Pine, Northern Arizona University
Background: NAU started as a teacher’s college in a small mountain town in Arizona and has grown to offer numerous degree programs at multiple campuses across the state. Its alumni publication, Pine, combines nostalgic-themed articles with feature stories centered on timely topics.
We love: How the design walks the fine line between fun and sophisticated. Community photos, social media shoutouts and feature spreads blend seamlessly throughout the biannual publication. Articles highlight the public university’s marquee academic programs and statewide reach, showing donors how their gifts make a real impact on the students and the region.
Takeaway: The best magazines are both fun and thought-provoking. Pine helps foster a sense of community and camaraderie while still offering thoughtful content.
Bostonia, Boston University
Background: As the largest university in Massachusetts, Boston University delivers its Bostonia magazine to countless alumni three times a year. With more than 300 programs of study, Boston University can tackle topics from all angles across the school.
We love: How Bostonia centers its content around a flagship feature and supporting sidebars, like many newsstand magazines. Big-picture topics include race relations, student activism, public health and Boston politics.
Takeaway: A strong, timely editorial can position your institution as a thought leader, extending your magazine’s relevance beyond alumni. It shows that your faculty and researchers aren’t just responding to today’s most important issues — they’re helping shape the conversation, drive innovation and lead meaningful change.
University of Toronto Magazine, University of Toronto
Background: The University of Toronto was founded in 1927 as the first institution of higher learning in Upper Canada (the British portion of the Canadian territories). Today, the institution teaches more than 60,000 students across 900 areas of study.
We love: The mix of original photography, illustrations and graphics that evokes coffee-table staples like The New Yorker or New York Magazine.
Takeaway: Never underestimate the power of design. In today’s crowded media landscape, it’s often what gets your publication noticed. For donors and philanthropic institutions, strong design doesn’t just catch the eye — it signals ambition, credibility and real impact. Fundraising campaign updates and strategic initiatives can feel just as compelling as feature stories when presented with visual clarity and intention.
Exchange Magazine, Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa
Background: One of the oldest business schools in the country, the Tippie College of Business blends Midwestern practicality with global perspective. Exchange magazine channels that spirit with sharp, efficient storytelling designed for readers who want insights without the fluff.
We love: The way the publishers clearly understand their audience: early- to mid-career finance professionals who are short on time and value efficiency. This 24-page magazine proves you can make an impact with quick-hit departments and strategically packaged features.
Takeaway: Don’t assume you know your audience’s reading habits. Conduct surveys, host focus groups,and deliver what they actually want.
Johns Hopkins Magazine, Johns Hopkins University
Background: Founded in 1876, Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins is the nation’s first research university. Fittingly, its quarterly alumni publication is packed with weighty, thought-provoking features.
We love: Its artful mesh of academia and compelling storytelling. Johns Hopkins graduates expect smart, in-depth writing from their alma mater, and the publication delivers an absorbing, satisfying read. Also, it regulal feature some of the best illustrations we’ve seen.
Takeaway: It’s not easy to write about science, technology, history and the like with page-turning tact, but Johns Hopkins Magazine could convince you otherwise. Engaging content delivery can ensure the target message is not only sent, but also received — no matter the complexity.
Terp, University of Maryland
Background: As the flagship of the University System of Maryland, the University of Maryland, College Park has more than 150 years of alumni stories to tell. Terp magazine delivers award-winning feature writing, photos and design three times a year.
We love: The bold design choices that make heavy hitting feature articles stand out.
Takeaway: No matter how intelligent the writing is, walls of text can be a turnoff to readers. Terp’s design choices create dynamic pages that give readers multiple entry points into the content. Bold covers, playful illustrations, an intentional use of color and thoughtful hierarchy that guides the eye — it all keeps readers engaged from start to finish. It’s a master class in magazine design.
VCU Magazine, Virginia Commonwealth University
Background: Located in Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University is a major public research institution known for its top-ranked arts and health programs. VCU Magazine reflects the university’s creative spirit and focus on community impact through rich storytelling and striking design.
We love: The staff’s eye for a great story. This isn’t a publication you skim. We tried — and inevitably got pulled into reading every compelling word.
Takeaway: Dig deeper. In today’s AI-driven world, it’s easy to feel pressured to simply get something out the door. But effective storytelling starts with curiosity and thorough reporting.
LMU Magazine, Loyola Marymount University
Background: Loyola Marymount is a private Jesuit university in Los Angeles. LMU magazine focuses on community-centered storytelling, with an emphasis on the Southern California region.
We love: The “Conversations” department, which showcases notable alumni and staff across disciplines in Los Angeles — from government officials to tech CEOs to professional athletes.
Takeaway: Lean into your institution’s identity when creating your alumni publication. Loyola’s focus on Los Angeles anchors every issue around community storytelling, giving it a clear focus.
California, University of California, Berkeley
Background: Since 1895, California Magazine has engaged alumni with insight, style and punch. Every issue is about two things: life at UC Berkeley and UC Berkeley out in the world.
We love: Its editorial features that paint vivid portraits of university characters.
Takeaway: Approach topics with a lens only your university could provide. Each piece of content clearly connects to UC Berkeley and its alumni audience.
The University of Chicago Magazine, University of Chicago
Background: Boasting Supreme Court justices, Pulitzer Prize winners, astronauts and civil rights leaders among its alumni, the University of Chicago has a seemingly endless supply of interesting stories to tell in its quarterly magazine.
We love: “The UChicagoan,” which poses quick-fire questions to a notable alumnus every issue. While other sections provide deep dives into research, this Q&A is personality driven, asking hot questions like “what do you love that everyone hates” or “who would write your life story.”
Takeaway: Remember that not every alumni profile needs to revolve around their career or their education. Showcase their personality and what makes them them.
Ready to Rethink Your Alumni Magazine?
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Colleen has worked with clients large and small for more than a decade as a writer, editor and content strategist. She has managed content marketing programs for national and global brands, including hospital systems, universities and nonprofits. Before entering the world of content marketing, Colleen lived in the land of magazine publishing and wrote about architecture, design and travel.
As a mother of a video game-obsessed son, Colleen spends part of her free time learning about Fortnite and the other part trying to recruit her son to root for the Arizona Cardinals. She loves a good book, a strong iced tea and when her Fantasy Football team is winning.