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Topic proposed by Deborah Loosemore
Video Summary:
Question for Session: How do you explain the value of financially supporting the university? Who cares?
* Sault College doesn't do fundraising; however, the university does but needs to do much more.
* Alumni is a good source of fundraising; however people don't like to be badgered about contributing.
* Must create a really positive experience, must have a good feeling.
Background:
* University has to raise millions of dollars. Alumni contributes about $100,000 per year. Also receive endowment funds in the form of gifts. With the hospital fundraising, there is a concern that donations may be hampered.
What are similar schools, comparable in size, that are doing fundraising doing?
Challenges Observed:
* When asked why do cities want universities, do people here see the value?
Economic
Cultural
Growth
The above are all the positives about having a university; however, now challenge is conveying that to the community.
* The university contributes 25 million dollars to the community and has a direct and spin off effect of 700 jobs in the community.
SOLUTIONS:
* Convey that an alternative economy can be generated in the community.
* Develop partnerships with community, businesses, citizens
* Utilize co-op opportunities
* The more you put out, the more you get back
* Tap into the talent in the school to produce a documentary, films, art, etc. for public education about the value of a university
* We get what we focus on - if we expect struggle, we will get struggle; therefore, we must focus on what we are actually looking for
Scenario: How do we fundraise with citizens, as opposed to businesses?
Must have a vision, that is positive in nature.
* We are now Ontario's newest University town
* Develop partnerships, of more of an alternative economic base, that now Sault Ste. Marie is a real educational player.
* Must create a real buzz.
* Create a festival that is worldwide.
* Major computer gaming competition - bringing people from all over the world to the University.
* What does the university specialize in?
* Explore partnerships with gaming studios, as University is the only school that has a masters of science computer games technology program.
* Develop an alternate economy around the University
* People want to give money to winners, not losers
* Fundraising dinners, concerts of student talent, art shows of student works
How do I convince people that their money is going to be well spent by supporting the university?
Instead of worrying about the future of the community, supporting the university economy is something that I can grab a hold of.
There is huge value in supporting the university, and it is convincing people of that.
There is a certain component of this community, that does not see value yet.
The university is offering hope and very high calibre vision of the university. Must tap into that.
Must have a niche and build on that niche - computer gaming program.
* People who contribute want to feel appreciated, recognized, and acknowledged. Figure out a unique and different way to acknowledge them (walk of fame stone with their photo and background, featured in a magazine put together by graphic design students in the university, put together a book featuring the life successes of the contributor)
* Perhaps find a celebrity who can be the University's spokesperson.
* Sell naming rights for existing buildings
* Bring in one sponsor for the University
* 85% of the alumni lives in the Sault or Northern Ontario. Start the buzz with the alumni.
* Create a DVD, generated by the University student talent that will create an educational, fun video that will outline the process of other communities who have become University communities, featuring the fact that Algoma is Ontario's newest University, has this unique gaming program, great nature community, etc.
* Use the economic situation and fear of what will happen in our community, to introduce the opportunity to create Sault Ste. Marie as the newest University economy and alternative economy in Sault Ste. Marie.
* It is a great time to launch this new University because of what is happening in the economy
* As part of the "story" of why people should buy into this cause, yes, there may have to be more details about how the money will be used and the benefit of their donation
* It's all about the energy that you are putting out.
AU was not on the radar of a recent university applicant I know. He wants skiing and to experience mountains. So,what makes environment unique, could attract broader student interest, if marketed right. Affordability is important, not on its own, maybe but a highly sought after study program and economical living conditions are a good combination.
Once students become established, the focus shifts to will my education lead to interesting employment locally? So what cooperative strategies could be developed between the university and local industry around career entry opportunities.
Perhaps this is already available: are there combined degrees from Sault College and Algoma U that provide a practical and theoretical foundation leading to career paths in the region? edited 17:18, 6 Jan 2009