Community colleges continue to be challenged to achieve the same level of philanthropic support as private and public colleges and universities. While nearly 50 percent of all undergraduates are educated at community colleges, only two percent of the nearly $8 billion donated annually by higher education alumni is contributed to community colleges (Council for Aid to Education, 2013). The disproportionate share of philanthropic dollars going to community colleges is troubling. However, before any significant dollars can be raised from alumni, there must be an understanding of the relational aspect of institutional philanthropy, specifically in terms of connecting community college alumni back to their institutions. The purpose of this qualitative explanatory case study was to explore and better understand the relationship between a community college and its graduates, with the hope that the findings will contribute to community college philanthropic efforts. Relationship Management Theory was the theoretical framework that guided this study. Situated within the context of a Southern community college alumni relations program, this study explored how 18 graduates and key leaders explain and perceive the relationship building process, their perceptions of key actions and events that influenced the relationship and its formation, and beliefs regarding the future role and importance of this relationship. Major findings of this study suggest the community college-alumni relationship is influenced by interpersonal relationships grounded by trust, commitment, and obligation. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.). [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]