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Brought to you by INVNT Higher Ed

PROGRESS DOESN’T PAUSE – AND NEITHER CAN
HIGHER EDUCATION

Universities are not observers of the future: they shape it. Advancement works best when your mission is positioned as a platform to invest in what comes next. By merging your values and ambition into an evocative story, we help you create a visionary movement that earns commitment – and investment – at scale.

A TRUE STRATEGIC PARTNER

We craft events as immersive experiences fused into a single, disciplined Brandstory that donors can see themselves inside. We turn institutional strength into personal conviction to move audiences from affinity to belief and from belief into action.

Our Approach

WE HELP YOU
INSPIRE ACTION

We anchor the experiential journey in tangible outcomes and emotional resonance. By leading audiences toward an unmistakable call to action, we invite them to help power humanity forward.

WE HELP YOU SHIFT FROM TRANSACTION TO PARTICIPATION

We don’t ask donors to “support the campaign.” We invite them to participate at the ground floor when momentum is forming and leadership matters most. We replace
traditional appeals with a confident, forward-looking platform where every stakeholder funds a future they see themselves shaping.

WE HELP YOU
ENGINEER INNOVATIVE EXPERIENCES

An intentional experience signals leadership, confidence, and readiness to execute. From innovative storytelling to reimagined venues, we use space, speakers, and pacing as strategic tools to make the future feel real and worth supporting now.

WE HELP ACTIVATE
YOUR BRAND

Great ideas need alignment to thrive. We act as the strategic connective tissue between Advancement, MarComm, and Leadership to unite every voice behind a single, unmistakable vision that moves your supporters to act.

WE HELP YOU
CLAIM EMOTIONAL MINDSHARE

When belief is established in the room, urgency follows. We meet supporters at the intersection of their personal passions and the institution’s vision, ensuring your institution is at the top of their minds when they want to see their values reflected in tangible, global progress.

Strategic Focus Areas

Campaign Launch Events

A campaign launch is not informational. It is decisional. We turn launches into powerful brand moments that answer the question, “why now?” Through a compelling story, we lead supporters through a deliberate experiential sequence designed to create alignment and commitment.

Campaign Close Events

Campaign close events are more than a time to reflect and celebrate; they build excitement for the university’s trajectory. Together, we develop an unforgettable experience that demonstrates a clear return on donor generosity, grounding inspiration in proof as you look toward what comes next.

Regional Tours

We specialize in translating the momentum of your campaign launch into an engaging regional tour. Our approach maximizes your investment while creating room for regional customization, empowering local ambassadors, and broadening your institution’s reach.

Milestone Anniversaries

We take pride in planning and executing milestone anniversary events that celebrate your university’s history while instantly connecting it to further impact. We focus on uniting your community, deepening engagement, and shifting the narrative from legacy preservation to forward-looking progress.

Leadership Transitions

In significant moments of change, we develop rollout strategies that set up new leaders for long-term success. Through a persuasive narrative that forges vision into action, we turn leadership investitures into defining moments that signal preparation and confidence.

Leadership

SARAH WINKLER

SVP, INVNT HIGHER ED

About Sarah

For over 25 years, Sarah has created long term strategies that move audiences to deeper engagement. She has developed a nationally renowned university practice helping both public and private institutions realize the full potential of such milestones as campaign launches, regional tours, anniversary celebrations and presidential transitions. Sarah co-founded Educe in 2013 with a sole focus on higher education which was later sold in 2020. She has been published in national and regional press and recognized for her work by both PRSA and CASE. Sarah chaired the 2017 Case National Conference on Special Events and served on the CASE Summit Committee and Case Industry Advisory Council.

JOSH JOHNS

VP of Creative Strategy,
INVNT Higher ed

About Josh

Josh uncovers creative insights, connects the dots across priorities and disciplines, and brings the big picture in sharp focus through compelling creative strategy. He translates goals and objectives into clear creative direction, leading to the targeted development of messaging, video, and live experiences that engage donors, alumni, and partners in an institution's story. Josh has worked on shaping the stories behind some of the largest philanthropic campaigns in the country, such as Duke University, Harvard Business School, Yale University, New York University, and MIT.

Case Studies

We partner with forward-thinking schools to redefine how they use live events to cultivate relationships, drive philanthropy, and engage their global audiences.

A Sampling of Our Experience

Auburn University

Harvard Business School

Yale

University of Rochester

Cornell University

MIT

Emory University

University of Wisconsin

Indiana University

Penn State University

Johns Hopkins University

Oregon State University

University of California Irvine

Texas Christian University

University of Maryland

Duke University

Northeastern University

The Ohio State University

William & Mary

American University

Boston University

Catholic University of America

New York University

University of Virginia

St. Joseph University

Brown University

Rice University

Syracuse University

University of Kansas

University of Connecticut

UMBC

United States Naval Academy

Circle Up! A Conversation Series

Host Zack Eagles sits down with peer rockstars across advancement, communications, and university events to explore the stories that move people and the strategies that bring us together.

Showcasing the Best of Us

Oct 26, 2026

Vanderbilt University’s Dare to Grow campaign raised an unprecedented $4.5 billion... read more

An Olympian's Game Plan for Donor Connection

September 14, 2026

Being part of a team means serving something bigger than yourself..... read more

The Art of Awe In Storytelling

August 17, 2026

What is the recipe for campaign storytelling that moves a donor base?... read more

A Different Day of Philanthropy

July 16, 2026

What makes a university’s philanthropic campaign... read more

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to common questions about INVNT's expertise, our approach to storytelling, digital innovation, experiential marketing and discover how we help brands make bold, lasting impressions.

What is the specific focus of INVNT Higher Ed?

INVNT Higher Ed is dedicated to empowering colleges and universities to celebrate major institutional milestones, manage presidential transitions, run regional tours, and execute multi-billion-dollar capital campaigns at scale. We help institutions elevate their academic reputations and connect deeply with their alumni, donors, and academic communities.

What kind of events does INVNT Higher Ed produce for educational institutions?

We specialize in a wide array of higher education events, including large-scale capital campaign launches, donor appreciation events, alumni reunions, presidential inaugurations, academic symposia, groundbreaking ceremonies, centennial celebrations, and high-impact student experience programs.

How does INVNT Higher Ed incorporate storytelling into university events?

We leverage the power of brand storytelling to translate institutional achievements, values, and visions for the future into a compelling narrative. Rather than listing historical facts, we weave a cohesive story that places donors, alumni, students, and faculty directly inside the institutional mission, transforming passive observers into active partners.

What makes INVNT Higher Ed unique in the higher education event space?

Our consultative approach, combined with a global team of creative, technology, and production talent, allows us to translate and scale best practices from corporate brand engagement to higher education. Led by SVP Sarah Winkler, who has over 25 years of specialized higher education experience, and VP of Creative Strategy Josh Johns, we bring a nationally renowned practice that has partnered with prestigious institutions like Duke, Vanderbilt, TCU, Yale, NYU, MIT, and Harvard.

How does INVNT Higher Ed help universities achieve their fundraising and advancement goals?

We understand that a campaign launch is not just informational—it is decisional. We collaborate directly with university advancement and leadership teams to replace traditional appeals with a confident, forward-looking platform. By meeting supporters at the intersection of their personal passions and the institution's vision, we shift donors from "supporting a campaign" to actively participating in funding a future they want to shape.

Does INVNT Higher Ed offer services for both in-person and virtual/hybrid university events?

Yes, we are highly adept at executing events across all formats. Whether it is a grand in-person milestone gala, a sophisticated virtual webinar series, or a hybrid event blending physical and digital attendees, we leverage technology, virtual tools, and creative storytelling to maximize engagement and global reach.

How does INVNT Higher Ed incorporate the unique culture and history of a university into its events?

We pride ourselves on creating bespoke experiences. Our process involves deep research into your institution's legacy, traditions, and aspirations. We weave these unique historical elements directly into the event's scenic design, programming, speaker pacing, and media to create an authentic, emotionally resonant experience that is impossible to ignore.

Beyond event production, what strategic value does INVNT Higher Ed bring to universities?

We act as strategic partners, not just vendors. We bring a consultative approach, serving as the strategic connective tissue between Advancement, MarComm, and University Leadership. We help universities refine their long-term event strategy, enhance their public narrative, and build stronger, more lasting relationships with their various constituencies.

Is INVNT a part of the Nth Degree family?

Yes. INVNT is a proud member of Nth Degree, a leading global event platform and family of companies. Alongside INVNT, Nth Degree brings high-quality event labor and general contracting to corporations, associations, exhibit houses, and partners throughout the event marketing industry. Supported by private equity partner Shamrock Capital, a $7 billion investor in media, entertainment, and communications, this partnership gives us unparalleled global scale, operational depth, and financial stability to execute experiences of any size with total confidence.

Let’s Talk!

PROGRESS DOESN’T PAUSE – AND NEITHER CAN
HIGHER EDUCATION

A TRUE STRATEGIC PARTNER