One of the few educational sectors that is popular in the US but not in the UK is what we generically call ‘alumni accessories’. Few UK students or alumni have ever even been offered a class ring, customised cap and gown, or primary and secondary school graduation certificates. In the US, the most public examples are the garish class rings that can be seen on the pinkies of everyone from students to athletes, business leaders, and politicians.

Market leader in the US is Minneapolis-based Jostens, owned by the famous private equity firm Kronberg Kravis and Roberts (KKR). KKR have two main education-related investments – Primedia Education (Channel 1, Films Media Group and Primea Healthcare) and Visant (Jostens and Van Hoffman). KKR are thought to be one of several private equity groups currently running their slide rules over Pearson with a view to a possible takeover.

While alumni accessories, particularly rings, are not yet a serious business in the UK, their day may be coming. In schools there is a growth in the market for graduation events, photographs, yearbooks and similar products. While these are emerging micro markets, the concept of affiliation and community which lies behind them is one of the things that distinguishes the successful fundraising efforts of US educational institutions from their UK counterparts. Development Directors and fundraisers at schools and universities need strong relations with their alumni (who pay for the privilege) and will consider any tool that help them build profitable long-term relationships.

Signet rings, long seen as the preserve of the chinless and pretentious, may soon be superseded by class rings, although hopefully of more tasteful designs than those which adorn the digits of their US counterparts.

• www.jostens.com
• www.kkr.com