KC Spotlight - Student Affairs Fundraising and External Relations

One hundred NASPA professionals (14 from NASPA IV-W) met in Columbus, OH for the 2016 NASPA Student Affairs Fundraising Conference, July 28-30. Attendees came with mixed experience on the subject of fundraising and building external relations—regardless, the message was clear—confidence and practice in these areas are valued skills in a growing number of campus administrations.

And why is the fit so natural? Student Affairs professionals interact with current students/ future alums, through day-to-day teachable moments. As we engage students, inspiring them to grow and develop—both personally and professionally—and to persist and graduate from our respective universities as proud alums—we are in a prime position to nurture the culture of giving back to their alma mater.

Giving back may be volunteering, gifts in kind, recruiting future students and financially. There are now student development divisions that include these concepts into all job descriptions of personnel who work with students.  These departments include residence life, student activities, career development, multicultural affairs, international student services, and other student support offices.

Attendee, Dr Judith Grimes, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Missouri Western State University, summed up her lessons learned by stating, “It’s about building relationships and involving and engaging alumni and other potential donors prior to any dollar requests. And it begins with telling the student stories, which is the most powerful way to engage others.”

The conference experience was enhanced through the generous hosting by Ohio State University Student Affairs and Foundation staffs who welcomed us with open arms and shared their campus and expertise. This was also a great reminder of the value of visiting campuses to learn, observe and share best practices!

The NASPA Student Affairs Fundraising and External Relations Knowledge Community members were heavily involved with all aspects of the conference. We benefitted from enthusiastic support and partnership with NASPA professional staff, Jace Kirschner, Assistant Director of Educational Programs, Amy Sajko, Senior Director of the NASPA Foundation, and NASPA Intern, Briana Stansbury.

More information from the conference and best practices in the external relations and fundraising arena will be presented during the NASPA Region IV W/E in November. I hope to see you at the session in St. Louis. In the meantime if you seek additional information, please let me know. 

Pat Mahon currently serves as the Student Affairs Fundraisging and External Relations KC Coordinator for NASPA IV-W.  She currently works as the Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. She can be reached at [email protected].