Presenters:

Claire Dinet - Managing Director, Targeted Direct Response Strategies, Georgetown University
Emily Pagenkopf - Assistant Director, Gift Services and Annual Giving, Marquette University
Angela Bartosik - Director, Annual Giving, Marquette University

Description:

Branding and positioning are essential strategies for cultivating and strengthening donor relationships, including fostering donor loyalty, which plays a pivotal role in the long-term success and growth of your program. Join us as we dive into how Georgetown used an innovative approach to position its brand to expand its loyal giving society, and how Marquette built a donor loyalty program centered around a behavior-based donor recognition strategy. You will gain actionable insights on how to effectively engage, retain, and steward your donors in ways that not only honor their contributions but also deepen their connection to your institution.

Building Lasting Connections pdf
Building Lasting Connections pptx

Presenters:

Anna Perantoni - Associate Director of Prospect Management, University of San Francisco
Mei Kwan - Prospect Management Specialist, University of San Francisco

Description:

Do you still rely on spreadsheets to keep track of your proactive prospects? Join the University of San Francisco’s Prospect Management team to learn how we created our ‘Ready to Assign’ prospect referral program in preparation for our next campaign. This session will provide an overview of how we used Salesforce Affinaquest to develop a proactive pipeline of prospects for each unit, including how we segment organize prospect pools, deliver leads, and track assignment outcomes. You will learn how we utilize our database to operate an efficient, centralized system for tracking prospects as they move through the fundraising cycle.

Presenters:

Laura Gatewood - Assistant Vice President, Donor Relations, Gonzaga University
Kelsey Parker - Assistant Director, Scholarship and Endowed Funds - Donor Relations, Gonzaga University

Description:

In this session, we’ll outline a strategic roadmap for fostering strong partnerships between Deans, Administrators, and Donor Relations to ensure donor funds are utilized efficiently, transparently, and in alignment with institutional priorities - all in support of advancement strategy.

Donor Relations plays a key role in addressing some of the financial challenges facing higher education today. We'll show you how data analysis, budget tracking, and strategic collaboration across campus will help your team drive the effective and timely use of philanthropic resources. This approach not only benefits campus stakeholders and provides institutional budget relief but also enhances donor stewardship by sharing impactful stories that support the gift cycle.

Dollars and Sense: What Stories are Your Donor Funds Telling? pdf

Dollars and Sense: What Stories are Your Donor Funds Telling? pptx

Presenters:

Hailee Juergens - Assistant Director, Donor Relations, Loyola University Chicago

Description:

Discover how Loyola University Chicago revolutionized its endowment reporting process to deliver timely, impactful, and personalized reports with limited resources. This session will highlight innovative strategies that streamlined workflows, leveraged technology, and shifted organizational culture. Learn how to maximize efficiency, reduce stakeholder burden, and produce high-quality stewardship reports that resonate with donors. Attendees will leave with actionable insights and practical tools to transform their own reporting practices.

Presenters:

Michelle Marchand - Director, Alumni Relations at Loyola University Chicago

Description:

This session will explore the multi-year evolution of Loyola Chicago's alumni engagement metrics, focusing on both the depth and breadth of involvement. Utilizing CASE's four categories of engagement as our framework, we'll reflect on where we've been, how we've enhanced our tracking methods, and where we're headed in the future. Attendees will gain insights into how these metrics are shaping our strategy for deeper and more meaningful alumni connections.

Presenters:

Peggy Pattison - Director, Alumni Relations, University of Detroit Mercy

Description:

An interactive conversation discussing some of the basic, yet most critical rules for managing volunteers effectively and efficiently.

Universal Truths of Volunteer Development pdf

Universal Truths of Volunteer Development pptx

Universal Truths of Volunteer Development handout

Presenters:

Jerry Goldstein - Head of Mentoring and Alumni Professional Development, Fordham University
Zach Plaza - Assistant Director, Alumni Relations, Career & Professional Connections, Santa Clara University
Shauna Strauss - Assistant Director, Career Development, Career Center, Santa Clara University

Description:

Career services play a crucial role in shaping professional success from a student’s first year through every stage of their career. This session explores how Fordham University and Santa Clara University have developed comprehensive career service models—that provide lifelong value to students and alumni. Attendees will learn best practices for launching and managing career services that support job placement, professional development, and alumni engagement.

Presenters:

Kathy Kale - Assistant Vice President, Alumni Relations, Santa Clara University

Description:

Learn how SCU crafted a contemporary vision for Alumni Relations that supports the university's strategic plan while mobilizing alumni and effectively allocating resources. Following the presentation, stick around for an interactive discussion about shared challenges and the future of alumni relations on your campus.

Alumni Engagement - A Vision for the Future pdf

Presenters:

Jarryd J. Delaney - Associate Director of Regional Engagement, Georgetown University

Description:

Strong student-alumni connections enhance alumni engagement strategies and ensure long-term success for both the university and its alumni community. This presentation will share examples of best practices to create a diverse, inclusive student-to-alumni pipeline. Covered in three sections, this presentation will highlight alumni engagement strategies across the full spectrum of a student’s academic career. Introducing and preparing brand-new students, engaging and celebrating current students and seniors, and supporting and “hooking” recent young alumni. Examples include Summer Send-Offs, Champagne Toasts, and Regional Young Alumni events.

By integrating Jesuit and Sisters of Mercy values in our work, we are able to grow a strong and diverse community through a solidified student-to-alumni pipeline. Through strong programming and events, Alumni Relations teams can actively shape the next generation of alumni leaders and make meaningful impacts on current students.

Presenters:

Yasmeen Mayes - Associate Director, Alumni Affinity Programs and Engagement, Georgetown University
Kelly Dempsey - Director, Alumni Alliance Engagement, Georgetown University
Elizabeth Verduzco - Assistant Director, Alumni Professional and Career Engagement, University of San Francisco
Matilda Tavares - Director of Alumni Engagement, Reunion and Affinity, University of San Francisco

Description:

Alumni affinity groups provide a powerful avenue for building meaningful connections within alumni communities while advancing institutional goals. This session will offer actionable insights into successfully launching, engaging, and leveraging alumni affinity groups for fundraising.

Georgetown University will provide an overview around developing industry and identity based alumni groups and strategies for cultivating interest, fostering community, and aligning the group's mission with institutional priorities. The University of San Francisco will present best practices for sustaining engagement and driving fundraising outcomes across their diverse portfolio of alumni affinity groups.

Attendees will leave with practical tools, creative ideas, and replicable strategies to strengthen alumni affinity groups at their own institutions, from inception to impactful results.

Alumni Affinity Groups: From Launch to Engagement and Fundraising Presentation

Presenters:

Connor Quealy - Assistant Director, Affinity Group Engagement, Saint Joseph's University

Lynn Langnas - Director of Alumni Programs, Saint Joseph's University

Description:

With increasing expectations for alumni engagement but limited staff and budget, how can institutions expand their reach without overextending resources? This session explores how Santa Clara University and Saint Joseph’s University have successfully leveraged campus partnerships to increase alumni engagement. Attendees will learn practical strategies for building a campus liaison program, breaking down silos, sharing resources, and utilizing campus allies to increase alumni participation while maintaining efficiency.

Amplifying Alumni Engagement: Evergreen Events & Campus Partnering pdf

Amplifying Alumni Engagement: Evergreen Events & Campus Partnering pptx

Presenters:

Arneshia Austin - Assistant Director, Alumni Relations, University of Detroit Mercy
Rachel Kartiganer - Associate Director of Young Alumni and Student Engagement, Fordham University

Description:

Mentorship can be a transformative force for both students and alumni. It can provide invaluable guidance, support, and access to networks that can significantly impact their academic, professional, and personal development, enabling them to navigate challenges, reaching their full potential, and achieving goals through personalized advice with real-world insights from experienced individuals in their field.

The Power of Mentorship Presentation

Presenters:

Bukola Adesokan-Cobb - Associate Director of Recent Graduate and Student Engagement, University of San Francisco
Darian Rosengard - Associate Director of Parent and Family Philanthropy, University of San Francisco

Description:

This presentation explores the powerful synergy between alumni engagement and parent giving, showcasing how collaboration can drive meaningful engagement opportunities. Attendees will discover strategies for fostering shared purposes among these two vital constituencies, leveraging their unique perspectives to enhance fundraising success and build lasting community connections. Through case studies, innovative approaches, and actionable insights, learn how to unite parents and alumni to amplify impact, support student success, and create a culture of giving that spans generations.

Parents and Alumni in Action: Shared Purpose Presentation

Presenters:

Lisa Bartoszewicz - Assistant Engagement Director, Marquette University
Bailey Hardesty - Engagement Director, Marquette University

Description:

Regional clubs act as bridges between campus and local communities, offering networking opportunities, service projects to spirited game-watching gatherings and everything in between. This breakout discussion will explore the vital role that university regional clubs play in engaging alumni across the country.

Presenters:

Megan Alderete - Associate Director, Digital Engagement, Santa Clara University
Cynthia Nonnenmacher - Associate Director, Marketing Communications, Santa Clara University

Description:

In 2020 we came up with a weekly short form e-newsletter to surprise and delight our alumni audience during a time when people were longing for connection. It hit inboxes weekly and promised to take up no more than two minutes of attention. We'll share the the story of our 3 Point Thursday newsletter, and how it's evolved through the years to stay relevant to alumni despite coming to fruition as a pandemic-era connection point.

Evolving Pandemic-Era Content Into Post-Pandemic Relevance pdf

Presenters:

Kimberly Batchelor Davis - Assistant Director of Alumni Relations, University of Detroit Mercy School of Law

Description:

The aim of this session is to share the many ways that telling the story of the university or department will provide an engine to increase engagement, donors/contributions, and volunteerism.

Engaging Our Alumni, Volunteers, and Donors: Sharing Our Stories pptx

Engaging Our Alumni, Volunteers, and Donors: Sharing Our Stories pdf

Presenters:

Mike Wallace - AVP of Development, Athletic and Annual Giving, Santa Clara University

Description:

Over the past decade, SCU's Board of Regents has gone from being on life support to being the leading advisory board on campus. These volunteers have worked closely with university leadership to create programs that advance the university's strategic priorities including the development of programs such as a Board Leadership Academy, Regent Scholarship, Regent Experiential Learning Initiative, and now the support and adoption of the Posse Foundation Scholars. This session will explore ways that your university can further the engagement and impact of your advisory boards across campus.

Engaging Your Boards in Impactful and Meaningful Ways pdf

Presenters:

Karina Punu - Executive Director of Annual Giving, Santa Clara University
Felicity Meu - Head of Partner Success, GiveCampus 

Description:

As the philanthropic landscape evolves, advancement professionals are increasingly turning to AI and technology to optimize engagement strategies across the donor pyramid. This session will explore how AI-driven solutions can be leveraged to better connect with constituents at every stage of their philanthropic journey—whether they are first-time donors making an online gift, or longtime supporters who have made multiple major gifts. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how AI can drive more personalized asks, streamline repetitive tasks, and increase productivity across the entire advancement team.
Attendees will learn more about:

1. Personalized Engagement Strategies: Learn how AI can be used to tailor communications and asks of donors at every stage, to drive higher conversions and more dollars raised.
2. Predictive Analytics for Donor Cultivation: Discover how AI can forecast donor behavior, enabling advancement professionals to prioritize prospects and develop targeted, high-impact strategies that increase conversion and retention.
3. Running Efficient Fundraising Operations: Explore how AI can streamline administrative tasks, such as donor segmentation, campaign tracking, and reporting, allowing advancement teams to focus more on strategic relationship-building and less on manual processes.

Presenters:

Jesse Lindow - Assistant Director, Special Events, University of San Francisco
Lauren Vogelsmeier - Associate Director, Annual Giving, Loyola University Chicago

Description:

A successful Giving Day isn’t just about fundraising—it’s about building a lasting culture of philanthropy. But how do you inspire alumni, volunteers, and students to see themselves as lifelong contributors to your mission? In this session, we’ll explore two innovative strategies that go beyond traditional fundraising appeals:

• Leveraging group challenge gifts to activate alumni boards and volunteers.
• Creating an immersive on-campus experience that introduces students to philanthropy in a fun, engaging way.

Through real-world examples from Loyola University Chicago and the University of San Francisco, you’ll learn how to:

• Mobilize alumni boards and volunteers to champion giving day efforts.
• Secure challenge gifts that inspire broader donor participation.
• Engage existing campus organizations to showcase valuable services while increasing visibility and gathering support.
• Foster a student-driven culture of giving through participation-based activities that prioritize engagement over dollar amounts.
• Keep philanthropy top of mind through strategic follow-up and stewardship.

Whether you're looking to deepen alumni involvement, spark student engagement, or supercharge your giving day, this session will give you the tools to cultivate a community where philanthropy thrives year-round.

Presenters:

Mary Lineburger - Assistant Vice President, Major Gifts, Loyola University Maryland
Jennifer Devon - Jennifer Devon, Senior Vice President, CCS Fundraising

Description:

Preparing for a successful fundraising campaign requires strategic alignment across university leadership, board engagement, and a strong major gift officer pipeline. This session will explore how institutional leaders can assess readiness, engage the Board of Trustees in meaningful ways, and analyze development staff capacity to ensure a solid foundation for campaign success. Attendees will gain actionable insights on strengthening internal structures, fostering a culture of philanthropy, and positioning their institution for transformational fundraising success.

Presenters:

Jeremy Benjamin - Senior Director of Development, Santa Clara University
Sasha Keller - Director of Development, Santa Clara University
Scott Kleinheksel - Director of Development, Santa Clara University

Description:

Many JAA Universities are considering their next campaign but are rightfully worried about all the new donors they will need to achieve their aspirations. How much time and talent will it take to discover, qualify, and solicit new donors? Aside from rules of thumb and inherited wisdom, do we have real-world benchmark data to guide our allocation of resources and set our expectations? Using the experience of 3 newly hired Major Gift Officers over the past year we hoped to create an initial set of benchmark data that illuminates what an organization might expect from their new MGO hires as they work to create their portfolios and discover the next generation of major donors.

Major Gift Discovery - Benchmarks, Best Practices & Tools pdf

JAA Example - Letter Outreach pdf

JAA Example - Email Outreach pdf

JAA Example - LinkedIn Outreach pdf

JAA Example - Voicemail and Text Outreach pdf

JAA Example - Discovery Meeting | Prospect Worksheet pdf

Presenters:

Mick Greco - Director of Institutional Giving, Santa Clara University
Rick Turk - Executive Director of Development, Major Gifts and Regional Advancement, Fordham University

Description:

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the fundraising landscape—how can university fundraising teams use it effectively and responsibly? In this interactive session, we’ll explore specific AI platforms, how and why we use them, and practical applications for research, grant/proposal writing, and prospect engagement. With live feedback and surveys guiding the discussion, we’ll share best practices, tips, and real-world use cases. This session will focus on discovering and sharing new ways to leverage AI technology to enhance efficiency and impact in fundraising.

Navigating the Wild West of AI pdf

Presenters:

Teal Cole - Senior Associate Director, Stewardship & Donor Engagement, Boston College
Diane Sant - Senior Director, Donor Relations & Stewardship, Loyola Marymount University

Description:

In this session, we’ll explore how fundraisers and stewardship teams can work together to maximize donor engagement and drive future giving. We’ll discuss the key moments when fundraisers should communicate with their stewardship partners to achieve the best results, and how regular stewardship portfolio reviews can strengthen collaboration between the two teams. You’ll learn what highlights the stewardship team needs to know to do their job effectively and, in turn, help move donors toward their next gift. We’ll also dive into two successful case studies that showcase the power of this strategic partnership in action. Join us for practical tips, actionable insights, and successful strategies to strengthen your team’s internal partnerships and drive meaningful results.

Presenters:

Ellen Dooley - Director, Office of Parent Engagement and Philanthropy, Fairfield University
Kelly Lepley - Associate Director, Parent Development, Boston College

Description:

Present two parents councils, events, and styles from two Jesuit Universities. Including recruitment and cultivation practices to achieve annual and major gifts.

Maximizing Parent Engagement for Impactful Philanthropy Presentation

Presenters:

Jennifer Callahan - Director of Gift Planning, University of San Francisco
Denise Heffron - Senior Associate Director, Gift Planning, Boston College
Heather Jack - Senior Associate Director, Major Giving, Boston College

Description:

Planned gifts often result in the largest donations to any university. Both Boston College and the University of San Francisco have developed collaboration programs between the Office of Gift Planning and frontline fundraisers to boost planned giving, increase membership in their respective gift planning society. This session will provide concrete examples of how to collaborate and promote planned giving through formal partnerships, training, events, reunions, and more. The presentation will delve into the history and success of BC’s and USF’s planned giving collaboration programs, highlighting impactful partnerships between the gift planning team and fundraisers at all levels. We will share basic training for gift officers, case studies, and success stories that illustrate what success looks like. Attendees will learn how these collaborations have led to measurable increases in donor connectivity and fundraising totals in both planned and current-use giving, and have also led to organic mentorships across all fundraising levels.

Presenters:

Wendy Schlesinger - Executive Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Saint Louis University
Mary Bussi - Interim Associate Vice President and Development and Senior Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations, University of San Francisco

Description:

A foundation's orientation regarding openness/receptiveness to communication with prospective grantees and grant recipients can be placed along a continuum. On one end, there are foundations that employ a firewall of sorts, such that communication is nearly one directional (foundation to organization, and only when they want information from you); on the other end, foundations can be extremely communicative and helpful in driving your program or research even further ahead. This session will offer some anecdotal and experience-based advice and tips on how to get the most out both initiating and sustaining your relationships with foundations anywhere along the continuum. Learn how to detect the difference between the more open and closed foundations, how the relationship can migrate with continued stewardship and outreach, and the types of additional support they can provide. Time may also be allotted to Private Foundations' response to the federal government changes depending on the current situation at the time of the conference.

Building Relationships with Foundations pdf

Building Relationships with Foundations pptx

Presenters:

Angie Rochat (panelist) - Assistant Vice Provost for Research, Loyola Marymount University
Mary-Ellen Fortini (panelist) - Senior Director of Sponsored Projects, Santa Clara University
Camille Coley (panelist) - Associate Vice Provost for Sponsored Programs and External Partnerships, University of San Francisco
Elisa Isaacson (moderator) - Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations, University of San Francisco

Description:

The Tri-Alliance is a partnership among Loyola Marymount University, Santa Clara University, and University of San Francisco intended to expand post-award sponsored research capacity through collaboration and resource sharing. In 2024, the partners received federal grant awards totaling $7,242,477 to support a project to unite the collective expertise, experience, and knowledge of the three universities. Through this collaboration among the schools’ sponsored projects offices, the project aims to empower faculty and unlock their research potential by strengthening post award research support, training, and compliance areas. This unprecedented partnership has great potential for Corporate & Foundation Relations.

The model developed by Sponsored Programs will address goals common to both departments, and pave the way for deeper collaborations and collegiality among AJCU institutions. The insights to be gained from this session are multi-faceted. You will hear about the genesis and ongoing work of this impactful collaborative; the post award teams’ experiences working with faculty to maximize research opportunity while ensuring compliance; and the vital importance of post award research support, no matter whether the funding source is a government agency or a private foundation.

The Power of Partnerships pdf

The Power of Partnerships pptx

Presenters:

Margaret Higgins - Executive Director, Academic Partnerships, Santa Clara University
Peggy McCorkle - Associate Vice President, Major Giving, Boston College
Beth McDermott - Founder & Principal, McDermott Philanthropy

Description:

Using Unreasonable Hospitality as our guide, we’ll discuss how to inspire teams and create a culture of excellence that advances our shared mission. Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara is the authority for hospitality professionals and was featured in the most recent season of The Bear.

Presenters:

Whitey Franklin - Director of Principal Giving and Strategic Initiatives, Gonzaga University
Holly Jones - Senior Development Strategist and Writer, Gonzaga University

Description:

Combining the power of Principal Gift strategy and the structure needed to operationalize Special Fundraising Initiatives (campaigns) leads to strong fundraising results, accountability, and a better donor experience. Learn the approach to special fundraising initiatives at Gonzaga and be equipped to create your own system - leading to better numbers, activity, and aligned teams.

Special by Design: A Framework for Fundraising Initiatives pdf

Presenters:

Matthew Carnes, S.J. - Vice President Mission and Ministry, Santa Clara University
Eric Clayton - Deputy Director of Communications at Jesuit Conference, Award-Winning Author, Speaker, Retreat Facilitator, Fairfield University Graduate (Class of 2011)

Description:

Join us on May 19 at 2 p.m. EST (11 a.m. PST) for a special Pre-JAA session.

As Jesuit advancement professionals, you work daily to help garner support for our institutions, and their distinct role in higher education.  Join us for a discussion about the differentiator of a Jesuit education, especially as the values it aims to impart help chart meaningful professional and personal lives for our students. 

Link to Zoom Recording

Presenters:

Tony Cortese - Director, Ignatian Spirituality, ICJE, Santa Clara University
Margaret Higgins - Executive Director, Academic Partnerships, Santa Clara University

Description:

Building on the insights and experiences shared during the Camino de Santa Clara walking tour, this follow-up workshop invites participants to explore how they can design similar reflective journeys on their own campuses. Presenters will delve deeper into the practical applications of Ignatian spirituality and Jesuit values in higher education, focusing specifically on their relevance for advancement professionals.

This session will examine how the principles of gratitude, discernment, and vocation can enhance our work as mission driven relationship-builders. Participants will leave with actionable strategies for creating campus-based Caminos, integrating spiritual reflection into our work, and fostering deeper connections with benefactors, colleagues, and institutional missions.

Whether you are new to Ignatian spirituality or seeking fresh ideas to enrich your work, this session will provide the tools and inspiration to bring the spirit of the Camino to life in meaningful ways. You are encouraged to bring examples from your home campus to share with other participants.

Presenters:

Nicole Dumas - Assistant Director of Alumni Relations, University of Detroit Mercy
Jennifer Sacks Vydra - Associate Director, Programs and Events, Boston College

Description:

This workshop equips advancement professionals with the tools and skills to identify and address unwelcome behavior from constituents, fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace culture. By enhancing employee morale and safeguarding the organization’s integrity, participants will contribute to long-term fundraising success.

Presenters:

Kasha Mitchell Godleski - Senior Director, Alumni and Parent Engagement & Major Events, Le Moyne College
Claudia Pope-Bayne - Assistant Vice President of Alumni & Donor Engagement, Saint Peter's University

Description:

Leading the Leaders: The Jesuit Way explores the art of leading no matter your role or title, drawing inspiration from Jesuit principles. We'll delve into the nuances of balancing leadership and followership, examining how discernment and cura personalis can guide effective leadership. Through interactive elements and practical strategies, we'll uncover how to harness individual strengths, facilitate group dynamics, and foster a collaborative environment. By understanding the stages of group development and employing self-reflection tools, you'll gain the skills to understand, inspire, and empower those around you, even without a traditional leadership role.

Leading the Leaders: The Jesuit Way pdf