In 2023, Texas Tech Health El Paso was approved by the state to receive funding to build a cancer center on our campus. When opened, this will be the only comprehensive cancer center in El Paso, nearly 300 miles south of the nearest existing cancer center in Albuquerque, and the only one in the nearly 1,000 mile stretch between Dallas and Tucson. The problem was that, beyond funds to construct the building, there was no other funding—for talent recruitment, for equipment, for patient services and support, for program development, for research. It has been left to our Institutional Advancement team (Development and Marketing-Communications), and other teams on campus (Research, Government Relations) not only to find additional funding but to begin the process of clarifying what funding is needed, how it will be used, and of course where it will come from.
Through a combination of marketing, grant writing, and direct personal appeals, we have, in a short time, raised nearly $35 million toward these purposes, over $30 million of which is private funding generated by Institutional Advancement. These gifts are headlined by a $25 million private donation to drive recruitment, planning and operating, as well as a $5 million operating grant. More broadly, they include a likely (though still pending) $1.2 million in equipment funds, nearly half a million dollars in future cancer patient support, and several hundred thousand in cancer screening funds.
The key to this windfall has been the strong working relationship and creative coordination between Institutional Advancement leadership, the university president, the Corporate Foundation Relations team, the Marketing/Communications team, and the Government Relations team.
This presentation will provide an overview of Institutional Advancement’s lead role in the coordination, explication, and appeals to individual and institutional donors and funders that have brought us here.

In this session, HR panelists will delve into the key aspects of understanding and addressing managerial needs. This session promises to be an engaging and informative experience, offering valuable perspectives and practical advice. During the discussion, the panelists will explore several highlights on how to excel as a professional in the managerial realm. They will share their expertise on effective communication strategies, fostering a positive team environment, and the importance of continuous learning and development. Additionally, they will provide tangible insights on leadership skills, time management, and the significance of empathy in management. This is an excellent opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals and to ask any questions you may have related to your managerial journey. We hope you will join us for this enriching discussion and take advantage of the valuable knowledge being shared. Your participation will undoubtedly contribute to a more dynamic and engaging session.

Tired of your foundation's communication efforts getting lost in the noise? This dynamic session explores how Community College Foundations and Communication departments can join forces to achieve incredible results.

Join us for a panel discussion featuring three dynamic community colleges, Bossier Parish Community College, Houston Community College Foundation, and Paris Junior College, as they share their experiences and strategies utilizing events for milestone celebrations, alumni and community engagement, and prospect identification and stewardship. Learn how each institution approaches events in terms of advancing their institutions’ missions, weighing event return on investment, and the impact on staff and attendees. This session will offer candid and practical insights and actionable ideas that can be implemented by fundraising professionals at community colleges and beyond, ensuring continued growth and impact through strategic engagement.

While rich institutional knowledge and experience can be invaluable and provide priceless insights into an organization's history, culture, and procedures, it also presents challenges. New employees often discover that there are many unwritten rules (highlighting the importance of documentation), historical details, and old practices, which can be confusing. Additionally, institutional knowledge is often associated with sticking too rigidly to old ways, which can block new ideas. It’s important to find a balance between preserving valuable old knowledge and welcoming new ideas to help the team improve its overall efficiency and effectiveness.

Deans, department chairs and faculty members are the insightful and articulate content-area experts development officers must partner with to identify prospects, cultivate relationships, develop strong proposals and make compelling solicitations. Moreover, faculty champions with strong relational skills make the advancement professional’s job of cultivating alumni and donors much more meaningful because of their authentic connection to the alumni and the work. While it is evident why strong faculty allies serve advancement professionals so well, it is often difficult to help deans, department chairs and faculty see themselves as partners in advancement work. In this session we will highlight how to plan an ‘Advancement School’ for your college’s leadership and faculty, provide tips for building a strong faculty/advancement partnership and share data on how leveraging faculty in a meaningful way accelerates relationship building with prospects and increases the likelihood of closing a gift.

Join us for a deep dive into how to build a strategic and meaningful annual giving roadmap that will inspire and challenge your team to bring a renewed focus that helps to prioritize and build foundational principles for all aspects of your engagement strategy.

Participants will collaborate in small groups to create a print marketing campaign of their choosing from start to finish, guided by experts Carrie and Trey. The simulation will walk them through the key stages: planning, design, printing, and distribution. Groups will start by outlining a basic marketing plan, brainstorming with insights from Carrie and Trey. They’ll then sketch a quick mock-up using pre-printed design elements, discuss print options, and explore distribution strategies. The session wraps up with a collaborative share-out, offering practical insights into the creative process and decision-making behind effective print marketing.

How do you engage students in philanthropy in a way that feels meaningful, relevant, and fun? At Oklahoma State University, we’ve built a culture of giving by meeting students where they are—whether through peer-led organizations, on-campus jobs, or high-energy fundraising initiatives. This session will explore how programs like Cowboy Callers, the Student Foundation, student interns, crowdfunding, and day of giving campaigns help introduce students to philanthropy, foster engagement, and create a pipeline of future donors. Join us to gain fresh ideas and actionable strategies to inspire the next generation of philanthropic leaders.

Even the most successful advancement leaders have faced challenges, missteps, and unexpected hurdles throughout their careers. In this candid and insightful closing keynote panel, senior advancement executives will share the lessons they've learned from their biggest mistakes—and how those experiences shaped their leadership. This open and engaging discussion will provide attendees with valuable takeaways on resilience, adaptability, and personal growth in the ever-evolving world of advancement. Join us for an authentic conversation that will leave you inspired, encouraged, and better prepared for your own leadership journey.