Conferences, Connections, and Career Growth: 8 Years Looking Back

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As my plane lands for the joint District V and VI CASE conference in Chicago, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey that has led me to this moment. My connection to philanthropy in higher education began long before my professional career took off. As an undergraduate student, I wouldn’t have been able to attend without the generosity of donors and support through scholarships. Little did I know then that this early experience with the transformative power of philanthropy would ignite a passion that would guide my career path for years to come. It’s been a transformative adventure filled with lifelong friendships, invaluable connections, and a deep sense of purpose.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a volunteer for CASE since 2016, taking on various roles such as:

• Conference programming committee member
• Conference speaker liaison
• New to the profession facilitator and cohort co-lead (really, Tyler Spear gets the credit for this one; I’m just louder than he is)
• District cabinet member

These experiences have shaped my professional growth and provided me with a support system that has been instrumental in navigating the challenges and triumphs of this demanding career. A study by the Association of Fundraising Professionals found that 92% of professionals actively participating in volunteer roles within their industry report greater job satisfaction and career advancement opportunities (AFP, 2020). Can confirm.

The Power of Connections

One of the most remarkable aspects of being involved with CASE has been the connections I’ve forged along the way. These relationships have transcended the boundaries of professional networking, becoming a constant source of unwavering support and inspiration. When faced with difficult setbacks and challenges in my career, it was my CASE community that rallied around me, lifting me up and reminding me of my worth and potential. Their guidance, mentorship, and camaraderie have been a constant source of strength and motivation.

A prime example of how these connections continue to directly benefit in my day-to-day at DSU: when I need guidance, samples, lessons learned, and mistakes to avoid, I reach out to my network of friends in fundraising, prospect research, finance, leadership, marketing, and alumni relations, who readily provided the resources I need to drive actionable change at the highest levels.

One other, particularly memorable, moment that exemplifies the power of these connections happened during a CASE District VI conference in Denver, Colorado. Brian Gawor, CFRE , then the VP for Research at Ruffalo Noel Levitz and now one of my great friends, found me playing Frogger at a barcade. He jokingly said that if I could beat the game on my first attempt, he’d be a reference for life. As an entry-level coordinator at the time, this meant the world to me. Naturally, you’ll now find Brian on my list of references. This lighthearted interaction laid the foundation for a meaningful professional relationship and showcases how the connections we make at conferences can have a profound impact on our careers.

Rising Star: Advice for Newcomers

In 2019, I was honored to receive the CASE Rising Star award, a recognition that not only celebrated my achievements but also reaffirmed the power of volunteer engagement and its impact on my professional journey. This award is a testament to the importance of dedicating yourself to advancing the field, embracing new ideas, and actively shaping the future of higher education philanthropy.

To those new to the higher education philanthropy field or considering getting involved with professional organizations like CASE, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take that leap. Here are a few key recommendations:

• Embrace curiosity and seek out quality information. As Adam Grant states in his book Hidden Potential:

Improving depends not on the quantity of information you seek out, but the quality of the information you take in.

• Cultivate genuine connections with your peers. Professionals with strong networks are 50% more likely to be promoted and earn 30% more than those without (ATD, 2019).
• Contribute to the organizations and add value to the people you meet
• Don’t try to navigate this career path alone. A survey by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education found that 89% of advancement professionals attribute their career success to the support and guidance they received from professional networks (CASE, 2021

A Commitment to the Future

As I now serve as the Chief Operating Officer (currently Interim President & CEO) for Dakota State University Foundation, I am more committed than ever to giving back to an industry that has given me so much. Through my continued involvement with CASE, both as a volunteer and cabinet member, I aim to contribute to the growth and evolution of our industry, driven by a deep sense of gratitude for the scholarships that made my own education possible.

Join Us in Shaping the Future

As we come together, let us celebrate the power of collaboration, the value of lifelong learning, and the incredible potential within each of us to shape the future of higher education philanthropy. Together, we can unlock new opportunities, inspire positive change, and create a lasting legacy that will benefit future generations.

#CASEConference #VolunteerEngagement #HigherEdPhilanthropy #RisingStarAward #LifelongLearning #CollaborationIsKey #ProfessionalDevelopment #NetworkingTips #CareerGrowth

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