I recently had the occasion to attend the UNE Foundation’s Scholarships presentation where over $2.7m in scholarships were awarded to 85 undergraduates and 77 post graduates on 12 May.

I noted on the list of scholarship donors, a name I thought I recognized from a former life.  My knowledge of the donor’s particular personal circumstances was that they were a significant potential contributor to the University.  More importantly, they had already been contributing to scholarships for a few years to the University.

In the end, I was most pleased to confirm on the night that the actual donor was the person I thought it was and I was able to make their re-acquaintance.

We have since swapped ideas and this particular person is keen to make a practical and more material contribution to the University in the indigenous area, but is in no way interested in ethereal, or broadly “academic” pursuits such as more research or enquiry on the topic.  The challenge for us then, is to take the topic and bend it meaningfully towards what the University needs (in this particular case, underwriting a social inclusion, community engagement and national agenda worth over $13million in revenue to UNE by 2012) and what the donor is prepared to consider.

Supporting this and intentionally nurturing these types of outcomes, is the core business of the Office of Advancement and will be best achieved with the collaboration of the Faculties, Schools and administrative areas of the University.

My personal example above illustrates the exciting opportunities and the richness of the tapestry for growing the UNE which surrounds us.  I never cease to be impressed by our alumni and the community:  their passion for the University and their ongoing commitment in spirit and material generosity. 

To keep nurturing our alumni and interested parties to support the UNE’s core interests in research and teaching, the Office of Advancement is increasing its reach and focus. 

The unit is directed by Ms. Martha Saw, who is also seconded in part as CEO of the UNE Foundation, chaired by alumnus Dr. Geoff Fox.  Importantly, this brings the operational and philanthropic strategy seamlessly together.

The Office of Advancement is responsible for leading and coordinating activities and services associated with alumni, supporters, donors (current and prospective), and the wider community to the University.  This is achieved by raising awareness of the university amongst alumni, providing services and benefits to alumni, fundraising, administration of donations, maintaining, enhancing and nurturing relationships with supporters and donors.

To achieve this, the Unit has, or is:

• Preparing a prospectus for giving to the UNE and has, with academic, general staff and the Vice Chancellor’s Committee involvement identified a short-list of major priorities that donors (Alumni, individual donors, trusts, foundations, government and corporates) may wish to contribute to
• Created a new medium for communication with alumni - the First edition of “In Addition” posted out to over 51,000 addresses. To date (11.6.09), this annual appeal has attracted 225 donations for a total of $33,368.00. The majority of these gifts have been dedicated to Country Scholarships ($21,529.50).
• Conducting annual appeals - The medical school, the focus of the appeal, has attracted 28 donations totalling $2238.50. Dixson library has attracted 40 donations totalling $4185.50.
• Expanding the skill-base. Joining the team Relationship Officer Ms. Norma Abey, Alumni Relations Officer Ms. Jennifer Miller and Administration Officer Ms Janette Morgan, an Advancement Services Officer will be commencing in mid July and will be responsible for developing policies, publications and segmented/targeted events for Alumni, Donors and the UNE Foundation.

As the University is focussing more on non-government support, the Office of Advancement intends to become the hub for the University in ensuring fundraising occurs in a systematic, efficient and effective manner and to support schools and faculties in reaching their fundraising goals.  For instance, centrally coordinating approaches for grants or philanthropic activity - which currently does not happen - will avoid the embarrassment of one arm of the University approaching a prospective donor when they’ve already been approached by another ‘arm’!

For more information about Advancement, please contact Martha on 6773 2365.

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