Division Update to University Senate
The following is the most recent update on University Advancement that was shared with the University Senate. These reports are shared once or twice each month. If you have suggestions for items to include, you can email Frank at frank@humboldt.edu.
University Advancement
Submitted by Frank Whitlatch, VP for University Advancement
Recent updates and successes
● Donors continue to make major commitments in support of the University’s new nursing program, the RN to BSN, which is scheduled to open in Fall 2020. Most recently, Sutter Coast Hospital committed $200,000.
● The HSU Foundation recently committed $150,000 over three years to support cultural programming on campus. The programming, overseen within the Division of Enrollment Management, will be designed to support retention and graduation of diverse student populations at HSU.
● Donors and boosters are working to establish an endowed basketball scholarship in honor of the late Tom Wood, who led Humboldt’s men’s basketball program for 29 years. The scholarship will support both male and female athletes. Joyce West, a longtime supporter, announced an initial gift of $100,000 from herself and family members.
● Stanley Harris, who passed at the age of 91 late last year, left a legacy at HSU that will last in perpetuity. The retired Wildlife professor and his wife Lorene endowed three scholarships over the years: The Stanley W. Harris Scholarship and the Lorene J. Harris Scholarship for undergraduate students, and the Stanley W. and Lorene J. Harris Scholarship for graduate students. Since the original creation of the Harris’ scholarships, more than 45 students have benefited.
● The HSU Foundation has created the 1913 Legacy Society to recognize those who have designated HSU in their will. Their generous spirit continues the legacy of private support that helped create Humboldt State in 1913.
Organization and planning
● The Advancement Division is undertaking a significant reorganization in order to enhance efforts to raise major gifts and build capacity to support the University’s first comprehensive campaign. This involves reallocating resources from support areas in order to add new Development Officers.
● The HSU Foundation is finalizing an agreement with an outside firm to conduct a campaign feasibility study. This study will explore donor interest and capacity, potential priorities, and organizational readiness. It will be completed by mid-summer.
● The HSU Foundation allocated non-state funds to support statewide advocacy for Proposition 13, the school bond measure on the March ballot. It joined with auxiliaries at other CSU campuses, and allocated $10,000 to the effort.
Latest PMC Advancement
- Monthly Listening Circles for Faculty and Staff – Starting Thursday, September 5, 2024, 11 am - 12 pmDear Faculty and Staff, RSVP here for the first monthly listening circle for faculty and staff. When: Starting Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 11 am - 12 pm Where: In person at the Library Fishbowl, Library 209, and virtually via this Zoom link.
- Office of Research & Sponsored Programs Foundation Transitions to Division of University AdvancementThe Office of Research & Sponsored Programs Foundation (SPF) is excited to announce its integration into the Division of University Advancement. This strategic move aims to foster greater collaboration and growth opportunities for our faculty & staff research and philanthropic initiatives. Importantly, there will be no change in existing personnel at SPF, and faculty will continue to contact their current support personnel. The offices' location will remain unchanged, maintaining the convenience and consistency our faculty and staff rely on.
- Registration for HSU's 2021 ideaFest Now OpenThe Office of Research, HSU Library, and Marketing & Communications would like to invite you to participate in the 8th Annual HSU ideaFest! Historically, this event has hosted more than 400 students, faculty, and staff from HSU showcasing research, live performances, creative projects, and more!
- Report to University SenateUniversity Advancement – Senate Report Submitted by Frank Whitlatch, VP for University Advancement Recent Activities and Successes • Over the past year, thousands of donors gave more than $6 million through the HSU Foundation and charitable grants in support of HSU students and programs. This included gifts from 3,170 donors, including 1,730 alumni. More than $1.4 million was given to various types of student support programs. Find out more about giving to students and programs at HSU.
- Advancement Plans for Budget ReductionsColleagues, You have likely heard that HSU is planning significant budget reductions in anticipation of an enrollment decline in the fall. The situation is more challenging now given the impact of COVID-19 and the potential for state budget reductions.
- Division Update to University SenateThe following is the most recent update on University Advancement that was shared with the University Senate. These reports are shared once or twice each month. If you have suggestions for items to include, you can email Frank at frank@humboldt.edu. ------------------ University Advancement – Senate Report Recent projects and successes