Mizzou Life Member Boxes: Building Donor Engagement Through Branded Merch
The Challenge The Mizzou Alumni Association sought to increase donor engagement and encourage alumni to upgrade to life membership status. Their goal was to show meaningful appreciation to those making this important commitment while creating excitement around the life membership program. The challenge was to design a solution that would leave a lasting impression on this elite group of donors while maintaining ease of execution for the alumni team.?
The Solution To meet this challenge, the Mizzou Alumni Association partnered with Magellan Promotions to create an exclusive life member branded merch gift box. The association wanted a way to excite donors while keeping the alumni team hands-off, beyond providing a monthly list of new life members.?
Magellan helped by brainstorming product ideas that balanced excitement and budget. A highlight of the package was the Apollo tumbler, chosen for its versatility as a drinkware piece and can koozie, giving recipients multiple uses. Other key items included a custom PVC key tag and a branded lapel pin with “Life Member” messaging. The lapel pin was attached to a custom backer card, eliminating the need for a separate informational insert and saving costs.?
To heighten anticipation, the custom-branded box had a plain exterior, but inside, it revealed an eye-catching tiger stripe design—creating a special unboxing moment for recipients. This unique packaging choice added to the excitement and created an unforgettable experience for donors.
Magellan’s comprehensive service provided support at every step, from product ideation to kitting, inventory management, and fulfillment. With rolling monthly mail drops for a full year, the alumni association could focus on their priorities while Magellan handled the rest.?
The Outcome Through this thoughtful approach, Mizzou fostered deeper connections with its donors and reinforced the value of life membership. The collaboration with Magellan Promotions resulted in a seamless, hands-off solution that both thanked donors and encouraged ongoing engagement.