Celebrating 50 Years: Reflecting on a Year of Growth and Innovation
CASE’s 50th anniversary was a remarkable year brimming with connection and collaboration. We marked this important milestone in many ways throughout 2024 whilst continuing our commitment to supporting members worldwide. Here are a few highlights from the year.
At conferences and committee meetings throughout the year, we conducted “The Next 50: Future of the Profession” thought leadership discussions. These panels convened leaders to explore the evolving challenges and opportunities facing practitioners in our sector. Topics included navigating technological advancements, addressing global societal shifts, and setting the newest generation up for success. These conversations proved invaluable, providing insights to help set CASE’s priorities for the next decade and shape our service to you, our members. In our special anniversary edition of Currents, the article "Anniversary Reflections" brought together perspectives from members who participated on these panels. The anniversary issue also featured stories on CASE’s history, global journey, and signature activities to serve the profession, like research, training, mentoring, and more.
In a nod to our 50 years, we doubled our annual allocation of Virginia Carter Smith scholarships, awarding 50 scholarships to early-career professionals who demonstrate considerable promise and potential. These scholarships grant access to CASE’s renowned training and development programs. Scholarship recipients participated at conferences such as Young Alumni and Student Engagement, Conference for Community College Advancement, CASE Europe Annual Conference, Asia-Pacific Advancement Conference, and more.
“I've benefited so much from coming [to the 2024 CASE Europe Annual Conference]. I may not have ended up coming here if it weren’t for this scholarship, so it really provided me with this amazing opportunity. When you're new to the sector it will really ignite a passion being around this kind of infectious energy,” says scholarship recipient Clodagh O'Sullivan, Prospect Research Officer at University College Cork, Ireland.
The increase in Virginia Carter Smith scholarships was made possible by gifts made to our anniversary fund, The Future Fund. From Nov. 26 to Dec. 3, 2024, we held CASE’s first-ever giving week, 50&Forward, which sought to unite our global community in support of the Future Fund. It brought members and supporters together to make a shared impact, with 312 donors raising over $84,000. The funds raised will help expand growth in CASE’s talent development programs, ensure agility to harness emerging opportunities, and provide scholarships for future leaders.
The giving week showcased CASE’s community, says Katie Young, Director of Alumni Relations at the Greenhill School in Dallas, Texas, U.S., and fund donor.
“The global participation and the total amount raised are a true testament to the strength and dedication of the CASE community. It’s inspiring to know that our collective efforts are helping to secure a bright future for education and professionals who make such a profound impact,” says Young.
To recognize influential individuals who provide leadership, service, and impact to education and the profession, we relaunched the Individual Achievement Awards. In addition to three global awards, each of CASE’s four regions bestowed regional awards on advancement professionals and institutional leaders who have made a significant impact on the profession, their institutions, and their communities. Congratulations to all our award recipients from our 50th year.
We were also pleased to welcome 50 new CASE Laureates. These individuals provide invaluable service and help drive our mission of advancing education to transform lives and society.
To expand CASE’s educational programming, we added a wealth of activities to our CASE Learning Center, including courses, webinars, workshops, and online conferences. In 2024 the platform served more than 13,000 visitors in 56 countries.
Our CASE Library also played a key role in supporting members throughout the year, with 1,143 new entries added to the Advancement Resource Catalog and three online collections providing materials on donor advised funds, wealth transfers, and preparing for a new Congress. In 2024, the team received 963 information requests on popular topics such as CASE’s Global Reporting Standards, fundraising campaigns, and more.
Finally, throughout our 50-year history, volunteers have been the cornerstone of CASE’s progress. CASE’s legacy and future is built on the dedication of volunteers who share their expertise and passion across the globe. In 2024, we were fortunate to have more than 2,250 active volunteers contribute their time—from serving on committee boards, judging awards, speaking at our conferences, and authoring Currents content.
As we commemorate the end of this landmark year, we are so grateful for the engagement of our members and volunteers. Your feedback, participation, and enthusiasm are what make this community so vibrant and impactful. Here’s to 50 more years of shared success as we continue building a future together.
