Crème de la Crème
CURRENTS Article In 2011, 268 bronze, silver, gold, and grand gold Circle of Excellence awards went to 171 colleges, universities, independent schools, and nonprofit organizations worldwide. Eight of those grand gold and gold award winners are profiled here.

Special Program Publications Packages: University of Washington - Silver Medal
Best Practice The primary purpose of the University of Washington’s Fifth Annual Recognition Gala was to thank loyal alumni, friends and volunteers with special recognition of major donors. Publications included a "save the date" package, invitation package, commemorative program and other mementos.

Stewardship: St. Mary's College - Gold Medal
Best Practice Saint Mary’s College holds Recognition Weekend, a two-day event that offers major donors the opportunity to be intellectually challenged, spiritually nourished, and graciously thanked for their investment in the mission of college. Initiated in 1981 as an annual Mass and gala dinner for major benefactors, the event was extended to two days in 2002. It has been held biennially since 1994, in the off-years of the University of Notre Dame’s recognition event. The biennial schedule for both schools eliminates a conflict for donors who are affiliated with both institutions.

Independent School Advancement: Fund-Raising Events
Product This guide considers practical ways to get the most from a small development office. It goes step-by-step through conducting a development audit, matching an audit with development expectations, creating an action plan and working effectively with key constituencies. Includes sample financial reports and results from a survey of 50 small-shop directors. This is part of the Independent School Advancement Series.

AdvanceWork: Slumber Party
CURRENTS Article Oregon State University’s College of Business wanted to thank donors for supporting its conversion of a long-vacant dormitory into a residence hall and learning facility for students of its Austin Entrepreneurship Program. One trustee suggested a campus sleepover and the rest, as they say, is history. This article describes the event that welcomed 130 donors as the first overnight guests of the “new” Weatherford Hall and explains why creative stewardship is so important.

AdvanceWork: Stars in Their Eyes
CURRENTS Article Alumni of historically black colleges and universities are giving to alma mater in increasing numbers; the average size of their gifts also is on the rise. In May, the Kresge Foundation’s HBCU Initiative held an event to celebrate this unprecedented growth in major gift philanthropy by noncelebrity HBCU alumni and to raise alumni awareness of giving.