Major gifts don’t always come in the form of a simple check—understanding the vehicles donors use to give can open new doors for transformational philanthropy. In this session, we’ll break down key giving mechanisms, including Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs), Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs). Learn how these tools work, why donors choose them, and how to effectively incorporate them into your fundraising strategy. Whether you're new to these concepts or looking to refine your approach, you’ll walk away with practical insights to inspire smarter giving and maximize donor impact.

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing donor engagement, predictive analytics, and campaign strategy in higher education fundraising. In this session, we’ll explore how AI can enhance prospect identification, personalize outreach, and optimize fundraising efforts. Learn from real-world examples of leveraging AI-driven insights to increase donor participation, improve stewardship, and maximize fundraising outcomes.

In this engaging all-faculty panel discussion, you'll hear firsthand from our faculty about their professional journeys—how they chose the right institution to serve, recognized when it was time to make a career move, and decided between a management track or a pure fundraising path. Most importantly, they’ll share how they developed the self-awareness needed to make these critical decisions.