Initiatives offer an insider's view of university challenges

The Development Office is always looking for new ways to engage donors who show interest in the university. The latest initiatives have proven to be quite successful. On April 21 and June 2, a small group of invited guests joined WCSU President James Schmotter and Vice President of Finance and Administration Paul Reis for an insider’s look at developing the Western budget for fiscal year 2012. In each instance, alumni, friends of the university and representatives from about a half dozen corporations asked pointed questions that sparked lively interchange.

While these first two “Coffee & Conversations” were focused on university finances, the most recent event featured the Bridges Project. Dr. Schmotter and Coordinator Dr. Abbey Zink engaged Sue Neumann of Praxair, Carol Everett of Boehringer-Ingelheim, Dudley Williams of GE Asset Management, and Cynthia Forbes of Hamilton Sundstrand in the history and success of this university program, which serves to improve student achievement in the local middle and high schools. Held every six weeks, future Coffee & Conversations will focus on the arts and the Ancell School of Business. President Schmotter and the Institutional Advancement team are working together to develop the topics and guest lists, which are carefully chosen to combine subject matter with donor interests.

Several other new ideas have been initiated as well, including director dinners, which will be held monthly at the homes of the WCSU Foundation Board directors. These dinners will join donors and board members in an evening of conversation about the university’s accomplishments and challenges.

In today’s difficult financial climate, the university strives to give its supporters some perspective about WCSU and its needs but, more importantly, learns from donors how to better serve the community.