
Program
Monday, April 7, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CT
Conference Registration
Welcome to Nashville! Stop by the registration desk beginning at 12:00 p.m. to check in and pick up your conference materials.
Welcome
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CT
Welcome, Faculty Intros, and Opening Plenary
Join conference chair, Jen McGrath to meet the faculty, learn how to get the most out of your time at the conference and get a big picture overview of the field of Development.
Speakers: Jen McGrath, Deputy Executive Director of Donor Engagement and Communications for Resource Development, MIT, Reggie Bustinza, Executive Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, Northern Illinois University , Casey Peterson, Senior Philanthropic Advisor, St. Lawrence University, Jake Strang, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Alumni Annual Giving, University of Pittsburgh, Durriyyah Jackson, Director of Development, Planned Giving, George Washington University
Elective Session
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM CT
Collaborating with Colleagues Across Advancement
To advance any organization, it takes collaboration. Within Advancement, do you know the players and how their roles work together harmoniously? This session will focus on the many colleagues who make up an Advancement team and how their unique roles fit into the greater whole. You’ll learn how to build strong internal partnerships, work beyond siloes, value collaborative leadership, and explore accomplishments that have come as result. Did someone say cross-teaming? Yes, that’s right!
Speakers: Durriyyah Jackson, Director of Development, Planned Giving, George Washington University
Elective Session
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM CT
What I Wish I Knew When I Started
Bring all questions related to starting out in this career, learning about your institution, making the ask and more!
Speakers: Casey Peterson, Senior Philanthropic Advisor, St. Lawrence University
Plenary
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM CT
Fundamentals of Alumni Relations
This session will focus on the core principles of alumni relations and how to build meaningful connections with alumni. Participants will learn strategies for engaging alumni, creating strong networks, and fostering long-term relationships. You’ll walk away with practical insights for developing an impactful alumni engagement program.
Speakers: Reggie Bustinza, Executive Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, Northern Illinois University
4:45 PM - 5:45 PM CT
Networking Reception
Join conference faculty and your colleagues to network and unwind after Day 1. Don't forget your business cards!
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