Home > Update > June 2007 > Alumni Notes

From the Desk of Alisa Robertson

In February of this year, a group of Wisconsin MBA students got together to plan this year’s Commencement Campaign. The students set up a plan to communicate the value of making a gift to the School of Business. They talked about ideas to get the message out, what the funds raised should be used for and recognition for those who participated. Most importantly, they set a goal for the campaign—100 percent participation.

The students realized that committing to 100 percent participation was a stretch goal, but felt it would send a strong message about the value they place on the transformational experience they have had at this university. By May, 99 percent of the MBA Class of 2007 had made a financial pledge. Many pledged $500 annually for the next five years. That’s a stunning accomplishment.

The students have set a very high bar. As alumni, we have the opportunity to show the same support and commitment that our graduating students have shown this year.

Roughly 12 percent of UW-Madison business school alumni make a gift to the school annually. That compares to about 25 percent of Michigan alumni who make a gift annually to their alma mater. I believe Wisconsin alumni are every bit as loyal as Michigan alumni —and we have an opportunity to prove it. Next month, the Wisconsin Business Alumni board will launch a “Beat Michigan” campaign. Instead of focusing on beating Michigan in football (although we have every expectation the Badgers will prevail there as well!), the “Beat Michigan” campaign will focus on encouraging alumni to participate in annual giving to help us ”beat” Michigan’s participation rate.

If we can double participation and dollars raised on a sustained basis, the impact on our operating budget would be the equivalent of a $30 million endowment gift. This increase in operating budget would allow us to deliver higher-quality programs to more students.

I hope you’ll consider participating in this campaign by making an annual gift to the School of Business; we’ve enclosed an envelope in this magazine to make giving as easy as possible. Not only does making a gift demonstrate the value you place on your degree, it provides flexible resources needed to invest in recruiting and retaining top faculty, leadership opportunities for students and a stronger network of alumni and friends.

Wisconsin Business Alumni

Director
Alisa Robertson

Assistant Director
Richard Lee

Assistant Director
Kaylene Reilly

608/265-0575
alumni@bus.wisc.edu
www.bus.wisc.edu/alumni