Australia Announces "Bold Plan" in Higher Education

The Australian government has announced a new plan to boost the number of Australians aged 25 to 34 with bachelor’s degrees from 32 to 40 percent of the population during the next 15 years.

CASE Launches Facebook Fan Page, LinkedIn Group

Networking with colleagues down the hall, across the country and around the world just got easier with the launch of a new CASE fan page on Facebook and LinkedIn user group.

Engaging Minority Alumni Strengthens Loyalty, Gifts

The reason more minority alumni don’t give to their alma maters is often as simple as this—they aren’t asked.

President's Proposed Cap on Itemized Deductions Faces Resistance

U.S. President Barack Obama's budget plan for the 2010 fiscal year (pdf), released in February, includes a proposal to cap the itemized deduction rate for high-income taxpayers (individuals earning more than $200,000; married couples earning more than $250,000).

Impact of Economy on European Institutions Mixed

A recent survey by the European University Association reveals that the tough economy has hit some European institutions harder than others.

Giving to U.S. Institutions Grows, But 2009 Outlook Dim

Donors expressed continued confidence in American colleges and universities during the 2007-2008 academic year by increasing their contributions 6.2 percent over the previous year.

Corporate Giving Expected to Decline in '09

In related news, a survey by the Conference Board reveals that corporate giving by U.S. companies will likely decline in 2009 as they shift toward more critical business issues and an “increased emphasis” on measuring giving outcomes.

Culture of Giving Spreads as Educational Reform Grows

Sweeping educational reforms in a number of European countries are helping to fuel global conversations about educational fundraising.

Fundraisers See the Upside of a Recession

“Business as usual” may seem an unlikely strategy for a fundraising campaign in 2009, but many experts say this philosophy, along with a bit of flexibility, make campaign success a “very achievable goal.”

Trustees Discuss Impact of Economy on CASE, Members

The CASE Board of Trustees, meeting March 12 and 13 at the University of Virginia, discussed the impact of the global economic crisis on CASE and its members.

CASE Launches Data Mining Listserv, Two Others

CASE has added three new listservs to its electronic advancement discussion groups.

Winners of 2009 IRF Awards Announced

Two widely respected educational foundation leaders have been selected as the 2009 winners of the CASE Commonfund Institutionally Related Foundation awards.

CASE Welcomes New Affinity Partner

CASE has a new affinity partnership with the Journal of Sponsorship, a leading professional journal focusing on sponsorship and marketing.

Sign Up Now for Summer Data Mining Internship

CASE is now accepting applications for its 2009 data mining internship.

Learn How to Build a Strategic, Uncomplicated C&M Plan

Developing a strategic marketing communications plan that is effective and wins institution-wide support can be relatively painless if a few simple guidelines are followed.

Act Fast to Nominate Educator for U.S. Professors of the Year Award

April 17 marks the deadline to submit nominations for the 2009 U.S. Professors of the Year awards program.

New CASE Conference to Address Shortage in Advancement Staff

Finding and retaining competent staff is a tough challenge for advancement managers—even in today’s economy.

Grassley to Continue Scrutiny of Charities, Including Colleges and Universities

In remarks delivered at a March 10 event in Washington, D.C., Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) said he will continue his diligent oversight of the charitable sector.

District I elected 10 new members to its board this month during its conference in Boston. Their terms begin July 1. The new trustees are:

• Vice chair Kristina Lentz, vice president for advancement, Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology
• Vice chair and chair-elect Timothy Lawlor, assistant vice president for advancement, Stonehill College
• Secretary Whitney Ashe, associate director, Harvard Law School Fund, Harvard Law School
• Conference chair Debra Marino, director of planned and major gifts, St. John's Preparatory School
• Members-at-large-Leisha LeCouvie (McGill University); Lisa Lewis (University of Connecticut); Michele Nota (University of Rhode Island); John Ombelets (Northeastern University); Carol Salter (Suffolk University); Christine Tempesta (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

Also, as part of its monthly breakfast series, District I will host a discussion from 8:30-10 a.m., March 27, at Boston College on chief academic officers and partnering with colleagues in advancement. Register today!

District III elected seven new members to its board last month during its conference in Atlanta. The new trustees are:

• Chair Peter Rooney, vice president for development, Oglethorpe University
• Chair-elect Tina Kauffmann, associate vice president for development, Bellarmine University
• Secretary Gareth Fowles, director of regional development, Lynn University
• Treasurer Marcie Hicks, director of development, College of Agriculture, University of Kentucky
• Members-at-large-Cheryl Bates-Lee (Tennesee State University); Louise Mathews (Carteret Community College); Stephen L. McDaniel (Alcorn State University)

District V-Do you have a burning issue to address or a great speaker you'd like to hear? Submit a session proposal for the CASE V 2009 conference. Send proposals and ideas to Melanie Harmon, 2009 conference program chair. Deadline is March 25.

Also, District V has signed a 'Preferred Partner Rate Agreement' with the Chicago Sheraton Hotel and Towers. Members can get reduced rates throughout the year. Get details at the District V Web site.

District VI reports that its CASE VI 2010 conference is almost 10 months away, but the 2010 programming team is already hard at work and has plenty of opportunities for those who would like to pitch in and help out on the conference.

Programming for the Jan. 10-12, 2010, conference will be determined by track chairs working with CASE members across the district. Members are invited to join a track sounding board. There are also a number of leadership positions available.

Members who are interested in volunteering should send an e-mail to Andrea Mostyn, program chair. The district plans to offer programming in alumni relations, communications, career development and management. Specialized half-day or one-day programming for designers and independent schools is also being considered.

District VIII welcomes its newest members: Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia; United Way of the Lower Mainland, Burnaby, British Columbia; and St. Mary's University College, Calgary, Alberta.

Please share your questions and comments with Pam Russell via e-mail at russell@case.org or by telephone at +1-202-478-5680.