From the Nominator

Seeking a silver lining in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, West Chester University Foundation developed a strategy to convert our annual President’s Circle Dinner from an evening of camaraderie, networking, recognition, and cultivation for our donors to a virtual event. We challenged ourselves to develop an event that would recreate those moments in a virtual world, and still achieve our cultivation and stewardship goals.

Our outcome was a series of three engagement opportunities, coined President’s Circle Socials, culminating in a President’s Circle Celebration. Our traditional invitation list was extended to allow donors to attend all events, or just one. The Socials, 45-minute virtual interactive events, featured a video message from the president; two mingle rooms hosted by gift officers, deans and students; a foundation update; and a featured university speaker. Mingle rooms were strategically assigned, and featured surprise visits from our mascot, Rammy, and the university president. 

The culminating event, the President’s Circle Celebration, was pre-recorded, but released at the designated time. With reduced expenses and increased capacity, invitations were extended to additional donors. The celebration featured student musicians, a Presidential State of the University, a preview of our sesquicentennial celebration, recognition of new donor society members, and impact videos. The celebration capitalized on the opportunity to reinforce the impact of our President's Circle donor societies, while continuing to celebrate and welcome new donors.  

Overall, our goal of stewarding, educating, and engaging both leadership donors and loyal donors to further relationships with West Chester University was successfully achieved.

From the Judges

Thoughtful approach to avoid Zoom drop off; created exclusive environment.