With the second semester in full swing, I am pleased to provide an update on the Big Ideas process and share exciting next steps.
Over the last few months, President Martin and members of the Advancement staff have been meeting with key University donors and prospects to update them on the Big Ideas process and share the six proposed themes:
- Center for Public Democracy
- Digital Proficiency Platform
- Every Bulldog a Changemaker
- Intergenerational Campus
- Jay N. Darling Institute
- University Center
For a review of the Big Ideas themes, refer back to the video shared by President Martin on Dec. 2.
I am pleased to report that 105 one-on-one visits with leadership donors and prospects have been completed, with approximately 10 more visits scheduled. Intended to serve as a modified feasibility study supporting the Big Ideas process and Drake’s next comprehensive fundraising campaign, these meetings allowed us to gauge which themes resonated most with prospective donors. Overwhelmingly, we received positive feedback regarding the Big Ideas and analysis to help shape the next steps in the process.
Also, last month, President Martin provided the Board of Trustees a detailed update on the Big Ideas, and the Board offered their feedback and their endorsement of the process.
Immediate next steps
In the coming weeks, meetings will be scheduled with each of the Big Ideas champions and additional contributors to begin the process of defining specific fundraising initiatives related to their idea. Our goal is to have a “fundraising menu” drafted for each of the six themes leading into the April Board meeting.
In addition, a letter and marketing piece will be sent from President Martin to the more than 100 prospects we held meetings with. The letter will thank them for their participation, update them on the process, and summarize next steps.
Once again, thank you for your continued support of this exciting process. As always, please reach out with any questions and feedback.
— John Smith, Vice President, University Advancement