Aug. 11, 2009 issue
The interesting thing about fundraising is you're kind of creating your
own destiny along with the college. You're finding alumni and friends
that want to fund the University.
You have to be exceedingly flexible. Everyone you work with — donors,
administrators and staff — are different. You have to be
able to morph yourself to the people around you to better
understand their needs. It's not about us. It's about their
needs, their programs and students.
I came here in 1999, so I've been here 10 years. I lived in Washtenaw
County and was working in Dearborn before coming to the EMU Foundation.
I wanted to be closer to home and I had heard of a position at the EMU
Foundation through my longtime friend Betty Ballard. I applied, was interviewed
and hired as director of development for the College of Arts and Sciences.
The most important thing I've learned is that you have to create as many
long-lasting, deep relationships as you can. They are the people who can
help you in the end.
I am proud of a lot, but two things stand out.
Working with Dennis Beagen, we started the advancement committee of the
Undergraduate Symposium in 2001. We were able to make that something really
special. We have been able to raise over $500,000 in the past seven years,
creating dozens of fellowships and scholarships for students.
The other relationship was with (donor) Dr. George Cogar. Before George
made his gift, I worked with him on a regular basis for about nine months.
He visited campus several times and was introduced to students, faculty,
administrators and regents. When Susan Martin was selected as our next
president, he and his wife, Dr. Darlene Shaw, decided to make a gift.
Now, he's made his gift ($1 million to EMU for scholarships); he's a member
of the EMU Foundation Board and the Comprehensive Campaign Committee;
he has made a fundraising trip on behalf of the EMU Foundation and will
be hosting an alumni event in South Carolina next spring.
The people keep me here at the EMU Foundation. It's the personal relationships
with donors, friends, volunteers and co-workers that really
make this job something special. I love the creativity
and the ability to make a difference. I can't imagine working
anywhere else! — Contributed by Ron Podell
