I'm sorry, but in order to view the slideshow you need to update your Flash player to version 8. Download Flash Player 8
Why a Campaign?
Why are gifts from UT’s alumni, fans, and friends so important?
Most of the university’s most generous scholarships and professorships are funded by private gifts. For example, people whose lives have been touched by a particular disease or injury fund a significant portion of the university’s medical research.
And why do higher education institutions conduct campaigns to raise private gifts for their students, faculty, and programs?
“While the top colleges and universities and the larger not-for-profit organizations are regularly engaged in seeking major gifts for their high-priority objectives, campaigns offer an opportunity to focus on the future in a meaningful way,” explains David Shufflebarger, the chief consigliere of the university’s comprehensive campaign and managing partner of Atlanta-based Alexander, Haas, Martin & Partners Inc.
“The best campaigns are grounded in the institution’s strategic plan and inspired by a vision of the wondrous things it can accomplish in partnership with philanthropy.”
Shufflebarger says there was speculation that comprehensive campaigns would become a thing of the past, but that proved to be an erroneous prediction. “Campaigns are enduring because they make a difference,” he says. “They are a force for renewing the institution and engaging all of its constituencies as partners in that exciting effort.”
As for UT’s campaign efforts, Henry Nemcik, vice-president for development and alumni affairs, says, “The University of Tennessee system receives funding from a variety of sources, and while the largest portions are through state support and tuition, private resources help create a culture of excellence.”
Campaigns have a number of purposes, Nemcik says. “One important aspect of a campaign is to clarify and affirm our mission. We seek excellence in our academic, research, and public-service efforts.”
Nemcik, who came to UT 2 years ago from Texas A&M, pays tribute to UT presidents Andy Holt, Ed Boling, and Joe Johnson and their staffs, who saw the need for a strong advancement program before most other institutions in the country. “The University of Tennessee was an early implementer of strong development and alumni affairs programs. The credit for early implementation goes to past leadership of the university,” Nemcik says.
“A campaign of this magnitude would not have been possible without the dedicated professionals in development and alumni affairs.”
As Nemcik sees it, success in any campaign begins when a student first walks on campus and has a wonderful experience thanks to the faculty and staff at each UT campus. A nurturing campus environment encourages alumni to consider making gifts later, he says.
“Higher education involves much more than the classes students take. Private resources allow students to travel overseas and experience other cultures. Gifts to the university provide funds for the operation of student clubs that enhance leadership skills, values, and ethical decision-making. The campaign is more than just raising money, it is ‘raising’ programs that affect the faculty, students, and staff in a very profound way.”
