With the 2025 Conference for Community College Advancement right around the corner in October, I thought I’d ask the chair of the conference’s planning committee, Diana Pollard, Associate Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the Dutchess Community College Foundation, what this conference means to her and why she wanted to dedicate her time and talent to the event.
How did you get involved as a volunteer with CASE?
I first volunteered for CASE about four years ago. It all started when I was introduced to Marc Westenburg, a former CASE staff member, through my colleague, Diane Schroger, who retired from Monroe Community College, Rochester, New York. That introduction opened the door to opportunities I never imagined. My first volunteer experiences involved presenting at District II conferences and later at the Conference for Community College Advancement, which quickly became my favorite CASE event. Each time I’ve been involved—whether presenting, attending, or helping with planning—I’ve walked away with new ideas, valuable insights, and meaningful connections that have shaped both my career and my approach to advancement.
Volunteering with CASE has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my professional journey. I’ve always believed that giving back to your profession isn’t just something that’s “nice to do”—it’s a responsibility. For me, volunteering isn’t just about giving my time; it’s about helping to strengthen our profession, elevate community colleges, and ultimately serve our students in the best way possible. Advancement is a field built on collaboration, generosity, and shared knowledge, and I feel strongly about contributing to that tradition. That’s what makes this work so fulfilling, and why I remain committed to continuing to volunteer with CASE for years to come.
What makes volunteering for this conference special?
Volunteering for this conference is special to me because it has been such an important part of my own professional growth and personal journey. Over the years, it has given me the chance to deepen my understanding of fundraising, philanthropy, board governance, marketing, and communications, while also exposing me to fresh perspectives that have inspired me to think differently about my work. Each session, conversation, and collaboration with colleagues from across the country has opened my eyes to new possibilities and reminded me that we are all striving toward the same goal: helping our students succeed.
What makes this conference especially meaningful is its focus on community colleges. This space is unique—we serve incredibly diverse students, often with complex needs, and the work we do has a direct, life-changing impact. Having a conference dedicated to our sector gives us the opportunity to celebrate the important role community colleges play in higher education, while also tackling the very real challenges we face.
For me, volunteering here is not just about giving back—it’s about being part of something bigger. It’s about lifting each other up, sharing what we know, and learning from one another so we can strengthen our institutions and create even more opportunities for the students who depend on us. That sense of shared purpose is what makes this conference so close to my heart, and why I am honored to contribute to it.
What is the CCCA planning committee providing this year for advancement newcomers?
We’re proud to offer a dedicated pre-conference session tailored specifically for advancement newcomers. Over the years—under the leadership of our colleagues at Richland Community College, Decatur, Illinois—this session has proven to be one of the most impactful parts of the conference for those just entering the field. We’re excited to continue building on that success.
The session is designed to provide newcomers with a strong foundation in advancement, covering essentials like fundraising, donor relations, board engagement, alumni outreach, and communications. More importantly, it also offers practical strategies and real-world examples that help participants immediately connect what they’re learning to their day-to-day work.
Beyond the content, the session is about creating a sense of belonging. It gives newcomers a chance to meet peers who are also new to the profession, begin building their own support networks, and connect with seasoned professionals who can offer guidance and encouragement. Many attendees have shared that this experience gave them the confidence to fully engage in the rest of the conference and see themselves as part of the advancement community.
Our goal is to ensure that everyone walking into the CCCA—especially those just starting their careers—feels welcomed, supported, and inspired. This pre-conference session is a big part of how we make that happen.
Anything special planned for grants professionals?
Yes! This year, grants professionals will have an even more intentional presence at the conference. Last year’s Conference for Community College Grants Professionals merged this year with the CCCA, and we’ve created a dedicated track just for them. This ensures they’ll have access to sessions and content that speak directly to their work, providing as many educational opportunities as possible in areas that matter most to them.
In addition, we’re hosting a special breakfast exclusively for grants professionals. This will give them the chance to connect, collaborate, and network with peers who truly understand the unique challenges and opportunities of grants work. It’s a wonderful opportunity not only to learn, but also to build lasting professional relationships within the CASE community.
What are you most excited about for the 2025 CCCA?
I am excited about everything—from the location to the sessions to the people. New Orleans is such an incredible city, full of energy, culture, and history, and I think it will provide the perfect backdrop for the kind of learning and community-building that makes this conference special. There’s something about being in a place with so much vibrancy that just amplifies the excitement and creativity we all bring to the table.
I’m also really looking forward to the outstanding lineup of sessions, keynote speakers, and pre-conference workshops. The content this year is exceptional, and I know we will all walk away with fresh ideas and inspiration to bring back to our campuses. On a personal note, I’m especially excited about the pre-conference session that John Wolfkill, Executive Director, Community College of Aurora, Colorado, and I will be presenting.
I’m most excited about the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues from across the country. This conference creates a space where we can share openly, learn from one another, and celebrate the important role community colleges play in higher education. Every time I attend, I walk away feeling energized, inspired, and proud to be part of such a dedicated group of professionals. Seeing familiar faces, meeting new colleagues, and being surrounded by people who understand the challenges and joys of our work is always a highlight for me.
Finally, I’m excited to celebrate with my planning committee and the CASE team. So much effort goes into making this conference what it is, and to see it all come together—and to watch participants engage, connect, and grow—is incredibly rewarding. For me, the 2025 CCCA isn’t just another conference; it’s a chance to be part of a community that lifts each other up, shares knowledge generously, and works together to create real impact for our students and institutions.