Happy 2024 to you and Happy 50th Anniversary to CASE! We can’t wait to celebrate this milestone with you in many fun ways you’ll hear about throughout the year. 

I’ve heard so many of your joys, frustrations, wins, and challenges as I have connected with dozens of you since I began my role in August. As the new calendar year kicks off, you may be right in the middle of your fiscal year with some lofty goals to meet by June 30. There’s a lot of stress and frustration in our circles thanks to continuing state and federal funding changes, especially with COVID funds ending and some states moving from headcount-based support to more complex student success metrics. You may be looking at a neighboring university with a big endowment, wealthy alumni, and growing advancement offices. Not fair!  

During times like this, please remember, “Comparison is the thief of joy,” a quote often attributed to Pres. Theodore Roosevelt. Think about the very special student populations your community colleges help. Remember the happy tears and smiles at commencement, especially from the children in the audience so proud to see their parents earn college degrees. Consider the local businesses that thrive thanks to your unique workforce partnerships, plus all the students and graduates who work for them. Most of all, thanks to you—whether you are a fundraiser, marketing/communication professional, grants guru, or wearing all of those hats!— critical support for your community college is identified and secured to help students and programs that need it the most. Those funds would not be there without YOU. 

Keep in mind that while some community colleges have been around for decades, fundraising at the community college level is still new to many of your institutions—and many of you! Be patient with yourself and your team. Of course, even if you are a one-person shop, think about your advancement allies—your foundation board, your current donors, your workforce development partners, your colleagues (including faculty), and everyone in your community who loves and appreciates your school.  

You are not alone. CASE’s Community College Community is a great place to get help from your colleagues. Post often and check it often! Don’t forget that the CASE Library can provide you with information to help you build your case for support, consider other community colleges’ strategies, and to brainstorm. Our conferences, online trainings, and decades of resources offer so many ideas to boost your confidence and network with others who do what you do so well.  

Finally, don’t forget about me! Please send me an email or set up a meeting with me. I’m here to help you brainstorm, solve a problem, or even just to celebrate with you. Best wishes for a successful 2024!