Keynote Speaker: President Neeli Bendapudi, University of Louisville
Under the leadership of President Neeli Bendapudi, the University of Louisville has made significant progress, while also creating innovative plans to be a prominent and nationally recognized antiracist metropolitan research university. UofL’s vision to “be ubiquitously recognized as a great place to learn, a great place to work, and a great place in which to invest because we will celebrate diversity, foster equity, and strive for inclusion,” embraces the work CASE members strive toward in education. In this keynote, President Bendapudi will share her special perspective and understanding of advancement as a university leader.
Breakout Session 1
2 PM–3 PM
Moving from Diversity to Equity to Inclusion
Speakers: Nakia Strickland, Associate Director, Diversity Engagement, University of Louisville; Leondra Gully, Director, Black & Multiracial Initiatives, University of Louisville
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are common buzzwords. While these are often mentioned as a collective term, each of these words require distinct action and knowledge base in order to reach full potential. This session focuses on the spectrum that is DEI work and how you move from one end to the other.
Manna from Mackenzie Scott
Speaker: Lee Emmons, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, West Kentucky Community and Technical College
As a recipient of a $15,000,000 gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott in December 2020, WKCTC quickly developed a framework for gift usage that would provide far-reaching impact—including both immediate and long-term, sustaining impact for the institution and the region. We learned lessons along the way to share with others. With the receipt of a historic gift, the opinions and expectations of multiple audiences must be taken into account—how do faculty and staff view the gift? Board members? Other donors? The community? Elected officials? Ensuring donor intent is honored while being accountable to various audiences, all while making sure the gift is put to the best possible use, requires considerations beyond the immediately obvious. There are important steps to make sure the manna maintains its heavenly status!
Positively Transitioning through Change
Speaker: Judy Singleton, University of Louisville Foundation, Inc.
Making the transition through any type of change can be difficult. With the right approach and attitude, it can be a positive experience. Join me as we explore the Transition Model identified by William Bridges. We will discuss each of the three stages and how to handle the human side of change. Through this interactive session, you will leave with tips for success no matter what role you play.
Marketing the Marketing Profession in Higher Education
Speaker: Terri Giltner, Chief Marketing Officer, Kentucky Community and Technical College System
As marketers, we are so good at marketing our institutions that we sometimes overlook the need to market our own profession and work. The marketing profession has undergone so many changes in the last few decades that it bears little resemblance to the public information office of the past. Many times this results in a lack of understanding of the role marketing plays in accomplishing the organization’s goals. This session will discuss ways to inform and engage members of the college community about the critical role marketing plays in their work. It will also stress the role all members have in marketing the institution.
Breakout Session 2
3:15 PM–4:15 PM
Podcasting for Development and Alumni Relations
Speaker: Carrie Lewis, Director of Special Projects in Development, Eastern Kentucky University
Carrie Lewis began independently podcasting in 2016 and in 2018, she decided to start EKU Voices through the Office of Development and Alumni Relations as another way to reach alumni and potential donors beyond, print, electronic, and social media. The podcast spotlighted a variety of EKU Alumni and other people associated with EKU. Starting a podcast can seem overwhelming, but in this session, we'll discuss the ins and outs of starting a podcast to further connect with alumni and donors, including how to get started recording, how to pick a format, working with students to record and host the podcast, where to host your show, and the best way to market your podcast to listeners for maximum outreach.
Hindsight 20/20: Looking Back at Our Careers to Help You Look Forward in Yours
Speakers: Chris Schill, Senior Philanthropy Officer, Berea College; and Amy Harmon, Executive Director of Planned Philanthropy, Berea College
Boost your professional development through knowledge exchange and experience sharing. Hindsight 20/20 will be an interactive session, so please join us and bring your best “nugget of wisdom” to the discussion. Whether you have been in development for one year or 20 years, this session is for you. Together we will examine noted industry best practices, look back at one another’s most memorable career lessons, and look forward with new insights as fundraising professionals.
Challenging Your Alumni: Meet and Exceed Your Goals
Speakers: Emily Carroll, Director of Development, Ursuline Academy; Samantha Carroll, Assistant Director of Advancement, Saint Xavier High School
Learn how Ursuline Academy and Saint Xavier High School transitioned from a traditional phone-a-thon to a contact-a-thon and implemented a giving challenge to increase engagement and exceed goals.
And They’re Off! Harnessing the Power of Volunteers
Speakers: Zach Fisher, Director of Events; and Jenn Churik, Volunteer Program Director, Kentucky Derby Festival
Learn from arguably Kentucky’s most prolific and well-tuned volunteer efforts as the Kentucky Derby Festival shares secrets to its successful management of over 4,000 volunteers. This session will offer tips for recruiting great volunteers, motivating volunteers to navigate your events, recognizing volunteer efforts, how to get started recruiting volunteers, measuring the success of volunteer engagement, and more. The Festival is one of the premier events of its kind in the world. It brings fun, excitement, international recognition, and a spirit that is unmatched anywhere. Kentucky Derby Festival is a not-for-profit, community organization of 4,000 volunteers who work all year to provide quality entertainment that enhances the community. Produced annually since 1956, the Derby Festival has become a whirlwind of 70 special events entertaining 1.5 million people annually and millions more online. The Festival blasts off each April with our Opening Ceremonies: Thunder Over Louisville, now the nation's largest annual fireworks extravaganza! The ensuing two weeks of excitement and entertainment promises something for everyone.
Round Table
4:30 PM–5 PM
Gather 'ROUND and Reflect
Facilitators: Candis Arthur, Associate Vice President, Philanthropic Operations; Lisa Berry, Senior Philanthropy Officer, Berea College
The challenges presented by COVID often seemed insurmountable. We all were forced to make decisions without the benefit of past experience or advice from others. We were trying new things and hoping for the best. What worked? What did you learn? What will you carry forward when COVID is behind us?
Join your CASE colleagues to Gather 'ROUND and Reflect! Let’s share our experiences and learn from each other. Reflections will be displayed during Happy Hour to keep the conversation going!
Happy Hour
5 PM–6:30 PM
Join us for a hosted happy hour to connect with colleagues.
Beth K. Fields Award Presentation & Keynote Speaker 8:30–9:30 AM
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Teresa Reed
Dr. Reed will explore the patterns and habits that often make race a difficult topic to discuss. Reading excerpts from her new book, You’re Likely Not a Racist: Answers for Curious White People, Dr. Reed will share both data from research and insights from her own life experience. She will explore the paradigm that perpetuates racial tension and will argue for a new paradigm that can bring understanding, healing, and hope. She will also address some of the awkward, but honest questions about race that white people are often afraid to ask.The outcome of her talk will be the sense that there is a path forward for all who seek diversity, equity, inclusion, and understanding.
Breakout Session 3
9:45 AM–10:45 AM
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Speaker: Marc Whitt, Director of Media & Strategic Relations, University of Kentucky
Whitt’s presentation will be based on his book which was recently been named by BookAuthority to its “Best PR Books of All Time” list of 100 titles: PR Lessons Learned Along the Way: Strategies, Tips & Advice for the Higher Ed and Nonprofit Public Relations Professional. The presentation will cover many of the career lessons he learned and experienced during his 35 years in higher education and nonprofit public relations. As with the book, he will be taking these experiences and insights and passing them along to those who attend this session for their thoughtful consideration and possible application. Attendees will leave this session feeling encouraged and inspired and will have new insights into becoming an even more effective public relations professional.
Building Your Giving Day
Speakers: Krista Rhodus, Director of Annual Giving; Sarah Baker, Director of Donor Engagement; Johnna Thomas, Senior Director of Development Operations; Eastern Kentucky University
Hear from Eastern Kentucky University about their Giving Day 2021 efforts. After a canceled Giving Day in 2020 due to the pandemic, EKU set its sights on a goal of 1,000 donors in 24 hours for #GiveBigE 2021, their second-ever Giving Day. By the end of the day, nearly 2,000 donors had given in support of EKU. Join us as we talk about all things Giving Day, from getting your entire team involved to growing your ambassador program. We'll also discuss Giving Day challenges and what we've learned along the way. We believe any school and any size team is capable of a successful Giving Day and we’ll give you our tips for making it happen.
Lean in Higher Education/Development
Speakers: Candis Arthur, Associate Vice President for Philanthropic Operations; Mindy Townsend, Executive Director for Donor Experiences and Services, Berea College
Learn how to apply the same principles that have worked in business and industry for decades to your annual fund, prospect research, reporting, gift processing, and communications departments to get the most out of your limited resources and impress leadership at your organization. Two LEAN Greenbelts lead the way to show you how they eliminated waste, improved processes, and boosted morale among staff at Berea College.
Enhancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Learning and Work Environment
Speaker: Dr. Dwayne Compton, Associate Dean for Community Engagement and Diversity, University of Louisville
This session will provide education on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as well as the barriers that impede DEI initiatives. Participants will have an opportunity to engage in discussion about ways they can promote a sense of belonging for students and colleagues by creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning and work environment.
Breakout Session 4
11 AM–12 PM
Faculty Partnerships
Speakers: Joe Neary, Chief of Staff, College of Business; Dr. Kathy Gosser, Executive-in-Residence, Management & Entrepreneurship, College of Business, University of Lousiville
In this session, we discuss the roadmap to successfully partnering with faculty to develop impactful proposals that motivate and excite donors. We will outline a recent $4.5 M gift, how the plans came together and strategies for overcoming barriers with faculty.
Strategies for Engaging Global Audiences
Speaker: Morgan Blair, Development Coordinator, Office of Advancement, University of Louisville
According to University of Louisville (UofL) institutional data, approximately 85 countries were represented by our international student and scholar population in fall 2020. As the global nature of our university’s brand identity continues to develop, marketing and communications professionals across the institution must begin to adapt our communications tools and messaging in order to recruit and engage international audiences. This session will present some findings from an ongoing, university-sponsored research initiative into communications designed specifically for international members of the higher education community.
How Do We Say Goodbye? Grieving in Our Profession
Speakers: Rev. Dr. Loretta Reynolds & Berea College Planned and Individual Philanthropy Staff
Our profession is built upon the establishment of long-lasting relationships with alumni, friends, and their families. These people welcome us into their most personal conversations as they seek to find meaning through their philanthropic giving. The journeys we take together often develop into deep relationships and sincere care for one another. When these special people pass, how do we say goodbye and how do we grieve? How do we help others who are grieving? Join Rev. Dr. Loretta Reynolds and staff members from Berea College to consider these questions in a discussion on grieving in our profession.
Attendees will receive “The Grieving Persons Bill of Rights” as well as “Take Care of Yourself as You Grieve”—a short guide.
Pitfalls and Promise: How to Build a Successful Fundraising Gala in 3 Months
Speaker: JP Paul, Director of Development, College of Humanities and Fine Arts & Honors College, Murray State University
The last 19 months have been difficult, and many donors and alumni are ready for in-person events. The flagship fundraising event for Murray State University, called "A Taste of the Arts," was scheduled to be in person in late October 2021, after almost two years without a formal fundraising event...and the lead development officer having started only the July before! Learn how JP Paul, Director of Development for the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, utilized key donor relationships, built new internal relationships with the university, and sought out external partnerships to plan and execute a successful $42,000 gala and the hurdles crossed along the way. He will also detail strategies to apply to your own fundraising events—from golf scrambles to full galas.