With days, weeks and months hurtling past in a blur of to-do lists, meetings and events, it can be easy to forget what motivates us in our work. As we approach a time when we hope CASE members will have more opportunities to pause, we wanted to spark some reflections on the rewards that come with a role in the advancement profession.  

Giving is not just a focus for a season, but an ongoing driver in our work. Many of you encourage donors or alumni to make a difference through a gift of their time or philanthropy. Others give prospective students experiences that will shape their future, or colleagues a sense of pride through building their institution’s reputation.   

In recent conversations across a range of institutions, we’ve heard members cite examples of gifts that they themselves receive in their roles.  

• Gifts of connection: witnessing the smiles and hugs at alumni reunions; the chance to meet amazing people. 
• Gifts of inspiration: the excitement at open days; alumni opening the eyes of prospective students to paths they can pursue. 
• Gifts of recognition: colleagues elsewhere in the institution highlighting the value of your team’s work. 
• Gifts of potential: recognising the endless opportunities in our roles, seeking out the next one if faced with a barrier. 
• Gifts of impact: a donor talking about the huge privilege of making an impact; the special experience of watching a scholarship recipient graduate.

We hope that as you find a moment to take stock, you recognise these and other gifts you gain in your day-to-day work. We’d be delighted to receive any further examples via europedirectors@case.org 

Many of you give to CASE each year, participating in our programmes, hosting a Graduate Trainee, volunteering to support the development of others in the profession or donating to one of our funds. You give time and energy to connect with each other, strengthening the CASE network, and your boundless generosity continues to be a source of motivation for us and other members of the CASE Europe team.  

Thank you for being a community that is defined by giving. 

With best wishes for 2025,

Pamela Agar and Caroline Davis