Tracks: Graphic Design & Marketing Communications / Development & Fundraising
Design Thinking for Philanthropy
Felicity Meu, Director, Partner Success, GiveCampus, Inc.
Inaugural Director of Next Generation Giving, Stanford University
Is your development office prepared for the next generation of donors? Innovate, prototype, and iterate to get your shop ready to engage these emerging donors. Stanford’s Effective Philanthropic Lab is a hub for innovators at Stanford and beyond. Students, faculty and industry leaders find their way here to work on the world’s messy problems together. Human values are at the heart of design thinking’s collaborative approach. As a former consultant to Stanford’s Effective Philanthropy Lab, which sits at the intersection of design thinking and philanthropy, Felicity will discuss using the human-centered design principles of the school to develop a process for producing creative solutions to even the most complex philanthropic challenges and we will share examples of online and offline engagement from some of today’s most creative shops.
Track: Development & Fundraising
How to run a crowdfunding program… without any rules!
Kevin Morgenstein Fuerst, Executive Director of Annual Giving
University of Vermont
Six years ago UVM had no crowdfunding program, but needed one badly. Kevin created a program that made people feel great, brought in new donors and new dollars, and ran without needless rules and regulations. He leads a small-but-thriving annual giving program with just four staff members — yet runs 15-25 crowdfunding projects a year, which means any school can do it. He’ll demonstrate what drove him to create this flexible and open program, and provide some concrete examples of how to run a program “without rules.” He’ll also share examples of tiny projects that turned into something much bigger and provide practical tips for managing requests, building campaigns efficiently, and pitching this idea to your campus leaders.
Track: Public Relations & Government Relations
The Marketing & Public Relations Guide to the E-Sports Phenomenon at SUNY Canton
Travis Smith, Director of Public Relations, SUNY Canton
Greg Kie, Senior Media Relations Manager, SUNY Canton
In Fall 2017, the SUNY Canton Athletics Department announced it would begin offering varsity esports. In a holistic inter-departmental fashion, almost the entire school became involved. It led to the creation of an entirely new lab space, multiple announcements of new teams, corporate partnerships and new hires. From a public relations standpoint, each development led to brand-new marketing and outreach strategies. In this presentation, Director of Public Relations Travis G. Smith and Senior Media Relations Manager will explore the methods used to manage the college’s explosive growth. Both contributed heavily to the creation of the program. Travis helped design the Esports Arena and Greg volunteered as a ‘League of Legends’ coach and sports information support.
11:30 – 11:40 a.m.: Break
11:40 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Keynote Session & Closing Remarks
New Conversations: Shifting Diversity, Equity & Inclusion from a Grievance Modality to One of Intentionality and Implementation
Dr. Rodmon C. King, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer
SUNY Oswego
Equity, diversity and inclusion (ED&I) are at the forefront of our nation’s social conscience. People across generations, ethnicities and other demographics are working together in unprecedented ways to bring about meaningful change. Dr. Rodmon King is a veteran of ED&I leadership in higher education, having worked at campuses in Kentucky and New York. He is currently SUNY Oswego’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, as well as the Chair of its Campus-City Relations Committee. Dr. King is responsible for implementing the college’s strategic diversity and inclusion goals, while leading the cultivation, enhancement and promotion of an environment of equity and inclusion for all at SUNY Oswego. Dr. King reports directly to President Stanley, is a member of the President’s Council and provides counsel on all matters pertaining to diversity and inclusive excellence on campus. He is also involved in various partnerships across the SUNY System.
Dr. King will address a variety of topics in this important and timely arena, including:
- Strategies for cultivating a diverse alumni base, including engaging and activating alumni of color and other affinity groups;
- Understanding the challenges in recruiting and fostering diversified advancement teams;
- Adding intentionality to your staff and alumni recruiting activities, including professional development methods;
- The public relations impact of ED&I issues on our campuses, including how to successfully lead and support campus change;
- How to move people from a grievance modality to one of change and process implementation; and
- Ways to recruit current students and alumni of all ages to help lead this change.
Dr. King will especially focus on delivering recommendations, action items, and takeaways for attendees, so that you can begin to implement similar initiatives on your campus and within your alumni base and workforce.