The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 CASE Global Individual Achievement Awards. These prestigious awards celebrate individuals whose leadership and service have made a lasting global impact on education and the advancement profession. The John Lippincott Award for Global Advancement and Support of Education will be presented at the CASE Asia-Pacific Advancement Conference, taking place in Hong Kong from 13–15 May 2025. The E. Burr Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award and the James L. Fisher Award for Distinguished Service to Education will be presented at the CASE Summit for Leaders in Advancement in New York City, from 13–15 July 2025.

Michael Eicher – E. Burr Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award

The E. Burr Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates individuals whose long-time service and professional accomplishments have significantly shaped the advancement profession.

Michael Eicher has had a transformative career spanning public and private universities, leading some of the largest and most successful fundraising campaigns in higher education. At The Ohio State University, he oversaw the But for Ohio State Campaign, which raised $3 billion, and launched the Time and Change Campaign, a $5.4 billion effort that aims to engage one million supporters—a historic milestone in higher education.

Previously, he led the Campaign UCLA at the University of California, Los Angeles, which raised $3.05 billion, and the Johns Hopkins: Knowledge for the World Campaign, which secured $3.7 billion. His strategic leadership, mentorship, and deep commitment to professional development has shaped and inspired a generation of advancement professionals, many of whom have gone on to lead major campaigns themselves.

“Michael Eicher’s legacy to our profession will be deep and enduring. In addition to his many career accomplishments, he has derived joy in cultivating leaders with character, integrity, and courage,” said Peter Hayashida, Board Chair at Marts & Lundy. “Michael has created successful organizations by making others feel empowered, confident, respected, and valued. He continues to be a peerless coach, teacher, role model, and mentor.”

Jo Agnew – John Lippincott Award for Global Advancement and Support of Education

The John Lippincott Award highlights individuals who have strengthened CASE’s global presence and contributed to the growth of the advancement profession worldwide.

Jo Agnew has played a pivotal role in advancing the profession globally, with contributions spanning Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Africa. Her influence began with a successful career in the United Kingdom and Australia, including senior leadership roles at the University of Oxford’s North American Office and the University of Western Australia. In each post, she combined strategic insight with a deep belief in the power of education, leading campaigns and initiatives that inspired greater philanthropic support and stronger institutional cultures of giving.

She helped establish CASE’s Spring Institute in Educational Fundraising in the UK and the Asia-Pacific Institute in Educational Fundraising, expanding professional development opportunities for advancement leaders everywhere. Jo has also championed the growth of advancement in emerging markets, including India and Africa.

In reflecting on her impact, Joanna Motion, Associate Partner at More Partnership Ltd, said: “Jo has pioneered good practice in advancement on four continents for over 30 years. Can-do, straight-talking, compassionate, she has strengthened the culture of philanthropy wherever she worked. Her track record as a campaign-builder, a teacher of young professionals and as a tireless CASE volunteer is outstanding.”

Doug Lederman and Scott Jaschik – James L. Fisher Award for Distinguished Service to Education

The James L. Fisher Award highlights individuals whose influence on education extends beyond a single institution.

As co-founders of Inside Higher Ed, Doug Lederman and Scott Jaschik have reshaped how higher education is covered and understood. Since its founding in 2004, Inside Higher Ed has become a vital resource for higher education leaders, offering insightful analysis and coverage of critical issues affecting the sector.

Doug and Scott’s work has increased public understanding of higher education and influenced institutional strategy and policy. Their thoughtful reporting has made Inside Higher Ed a trusted source for higher education professionals worldwide. This deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing higher education has benefited advancement professionals, helping them better articulate the value of their institutions and engage stakeholders more effectively. Their work has provided the context and insight that advancement leaders rely on to foster meaningful connections with donors, alumni, and communities.

“Scott Jaschik and Doug Lederman have provided colleges and universities with an accessible form of quality journalism, expected transparency and truth from leaders, and allowed the celebration of the impact education has on the lives of our students,” said Teresa Valerio Parrot, Principal, TVP Communications.

Together, Michael Eicher, Jo Agnew, Doug Lederman, and Scott Jaschik represent the best of the advancement profession—visionary leaders whose work has strengthened institutions, expanded educational opportunity, and elevated the global discourse around higher education. Through strategic leadership, philanthropic innovation, tireless advocacy, and trusted journalism, these individuals have each left an indelible mark on the sector. CASE is proud to recognize their achievements and celebrate the profound impact they continue to make on education and society worldwide.

For more information about the CASE Global Individual Achievement Awards, the CASE Summit for Leaders in Advancement, or the Asia-Pacific Advancement Conference, visit:
www.case.org