Fast Forward: The University of Rochester Advancement E-Newsletter

November 27, 2007

Values and Action

portrait of Jim Thompson

“Summing up the promise of America, the author Thomas Wolfe once said that every individual, regardless of birth, should have a chance, a shining golden opportunity…the right to live, to work, and to become whatever his or her vision and humanity can combine to create.”

I am very pleased that we are creating an advancement culture at the University of Rochester in which leaders across the community can serve in various roles that are integral to our advancement mission. Many partnerships among offices and departments are being formed to try and help achieve our goals for advancing the University.

As advancement culture becomes more of a part of daily life at the University, awareness of the importance of endowment growth is also increasing. Institutions that are actively engaged in planning for the future tend to emphasize endowment gifts as a very high priority. Similarly, the more strategic an advancement program is, the higher the percentage of endowment growth it will pursue.

Large endowments are ideal vehicles to support institutions that will endure for thousands of years. They are gifts that keep on giving by supporting people and programs in perpetuity. They are a wonderful mechanism to ensure that the University can continue to address the needs of society over the long term. Certainly George Eastman’s giving indicates he understood the importance of endowment to an institution’s health and vitality. At Rochester, we have some catch-up work to do.

Endowed funds can be created by donors for a variety of purposes and help contribute to our pursuit of excellence in education, research, and service to society. Endowed scholarship funds, established by generous donors, are absolutely essential to students in all of the University’s schools. Many young men and women have the dream, drive, and commitment to seek a University of Rochester education, but not the financial resources to make that dream a reality. Need-based scholarships put a Rochester education within reach of these deserving students. Merit-based scholarships help us attract the best and brightest students. Scholarship funds not only change lives, they enhance our reputation because we are able to attract students who go on to make important contributions to society in the future.

In this issue of Fast Forward, we highlight the School of Medicine and Dentistry’s Endowed Scholarship Initiative. Three years ago, an alumni survey revealed a great concern over the significant cost of medical education and the size of graduating student debt. This led to a scholarship initiative that has raised more than $14 million to date. The School community celebrated the success of the initiative at the “Generosity Meets Gratitude” scholarship reception, a wonderful opportunity for student recipients to meet their scholarship donors, and at the Whipple Society dinner with the screening of a new video produced by Advancement. Because of the overwhelming success, the scholarship initiative was extended with the goal of raising $25 million by 2010.

In the Advancement Division, we are working diligently to raise funding levels in a variety of areas. I urge all of you to learn more about our endowment, especially the wide array of endowed scholarships the University currently offers. All of us within the University family should consider how we can expand and increase the value of these offerings. They are a wonderful resource for our students, transforming their lives and preparing them to make inestimable, positive contributions to the world.

Meliora,

James D. Thompson
Senior Vice President
Chief Advancement Officer

In this Issue

Advancement Updates

School of Medicine and Dentistry Scholarship Successes Celebrated at Whipple Society Dinner

At the 36th Annual George Hoyt Whipple Society dinner held September 27, 2007, Dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry David Guzick, M.D., Ph.D., reported on the progress and future of the scholarship initiative. Two hundred forty guests gathered for the event.

For Whipple dinner photos, click here.

Dr. Guzick said the drive began three years ago when a survey of alumni and friends revealed that student medical school debt was a major area of concern. “Our hope was that we could raise $10,000,000 to provide much-needed relief to students.” To date, the effort has raised over $14,000,000.

This tremendous success was celebrated at the dinner. Included in the festivities was the screening of a video that gave donors the opportunity to see the impact of their gifts and receive thank you messages from students.

To see the scholarship video, click here.

While these gifts are providing benefits to students, the need for scholarship dollars continues to grow as the result of rising costs. In response to growing needs and the overwhelmingly positive support of the initiative, SMD leaders have established a new goal to raise $25,000,000 more for scholarships by 2010.

Numerous other advancement-related activities and successes involving the SMD were celebrated during Alumni Weekend:

  • Mac Evarts M’57 received the Distinguished Alumni Award.
  • Robert Caldwell M’61 received the Distinguished Service Award.
  • The Class of ’57 broke all records for giving in a reunion year, and the Class of ‘57 Scholarship was established.
  • The Class of ’62 met the $100,000 challenge from classmates and retired the Class of ’62 auditorium pledge.
  • Over 150 students and alumni gathered for the second Generosity Meets Gratitude Scholarship reception.
  • 80 alumni gathered for the first time in the Alumni and Advancement Center for dinner on Friday night. The Alumni Council met in the new board room for their council meeting on Thursday. Guests expressed great enthusiasm for the new facility.

Following the SMD reunion, staff members entered over 250 contact reports in OASIS.

Meet the Capital & Special Projects Team

Over the last 12 months, Assistant Vice President Kirk Swenson, with support from Department Assistant Antonia Scott, has laid the foundation for the Office of Capital and Special Projects (CSP) and is now expanding not only his team, but his resources and support for University Advancement. With the recent addition of Scott Collins, Associate Director, CSP is primed to serve, support, and collaborate with Advancement departments and fundraisers in a number of capacities including:

  • Feasibility Studies
  • Special Project Fundraising Counsel
  • Project Management for Campaigns
  • Strategic Marketing Plans and Message Development
  • Communications Collateral Development

CSP is a service-oriented resource for all of Advancement. Kirk and Scott are enthusiastic about forging collaborations with departments to enhance the effectiveness of their efforts and ensure a uniform process of campaign planning and management. “Most departments have been quite successful at these functions. We’re pleased to offer specialized expertise and tools, and we can focus on projects from concept to completion. Collaboration is the key to success – we work together with the school and unit staff to assess needs, make recommendations and implement plans that work for everyone,” says Kirk.

CSP has a number of additional functions; the most visible in the near future will be the coordination of the National Screening and Rating program (NSR). NSR is a two- to three-year effort to engage volunteers and dramatically expand the pool of capitally-rated prospects by holding 30-50 events across the country hosted by high-profile leaders. Hosts will be selected using a number of qualifying criteria including willingness to be involved, influence, and prominence in the community, among others.

With the planned addition of a director and an additional associate director this year, CSP looks forward to collaborating on high-level fundraising and marketing support with the entire Advancement team.

Meliora Weekend 2007

Reunion, Family Weekend, and Homecoming

More than 6,000 alumni, parents, students, faculty, and friends gathered on October 18–21, to celebrate and reconnect with classmates, visit their students, mingle with other families, and explore campus.

Many exciting activities took place during the weekend including a keynote address from General Colin L. Powell USA (Ret.), an academic symposia, Homecoming wins for the Yellowjackets field hockey and football teams, student performances, family events, anniversary celebrations, and more. Kudos and deep appreciation to all Advancement and University colleagues who gave of their time, energy, and goodwill to help provide our guests with such a wonderful experience!

One thousand and forty nine College alumni in class years ending in “2” and “7” celebrated reunions at class receptions, reunion dinners, MelioraFest, a medallion ceremony, and farewell breakfasts.

The following alumni award recipients were recognized during the weekend:

Andy Neilly ’47: Recipient of the James S. Armstrong Alumni Service Award which recognizes outstanding and extraordinary service to the University in broad and varied volunteer roles. It honors those who have a history of demonstrating leadership, loyalty, and commitment to the University of Rochester.

Kay Ryder ’57: Recipient of the 2007 Reunion Volunteer Service Award.

Bill Robinson ’72: Recipient of the Samuel Mark Havens ’99 Alumni Volunteer Award, which recognizes outstanding and extraordinary volunteer support of the UR Involved Alumni and Parent Admissions Volunteer Program.

For Meliora Weekend 2007 photos, click here.

Finally, it’s time to mark your calendar Meliora Weekend 2008: October 16-19!

Elmer B. Milliman Grounds Dedication at the Alumni and Advancement Center

On Friday, October 19, as part of Meliora Weekend, a special program was held outside the new Alumni and Advancement Center to dedicate the Elmer B. Milliman Grounds. Speakers included President Joel Seligman and Board of Trustees Chair G. Robert Witmer, Jr. ’59. Reflections on Elmer Milliman’s life and accomplishments were presented by Burton August, John Milliman ’60, and David Milliman ’68.

“Elmer Milliman’s foresight in the 1960s made possible renovations on the south campus four decades later that have given us the Alumni and Advancement Center and these wonderful surrounding grounds,” said President Seligman. “The grounds themselves will undergo significant improvements, which is very appropriate because Elmer was an avid gardener.”

Robert Witmer said, “We now have a facility on campus that is a home to alumni, parents, friends, and volunteers. The trustees just had their first meeting here, and we are looking forward to many more. Elmer Milliman’s initial gift made all this possible; his vision was tremendous.” The official part of the ceremony ended with a groundbreaking to signify the beginning of the beautification process that is commencing outside the completed Alumni and Advancement Center.

Elmer Milliman graduated from the University of Rochester in 1919, received an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School, and had a long and distinguished career with Central Trust Co. He is widely praised for his work in the aftermath of World War II to create affordable housing for veterans. Later, he continued this effort on behalf of the elderly and families with low to moderate incomes.

He was a University trustee from 1959 to 1969 and an Honorary Trustee from 1969 until 1977. His devoted service was recognized through the establishment of the Elmer B. Milliman Endowed Professorship in Economics in 1977.

President Seligman said, “Elmer Milliman was a great figure in the history of this University, and we owe a great debt to him for the creation of the Alumni and Advancement Center. We are inspired to build an even greater University of Rochester.”

To view photos of the grounds dedication, click here.

George Eastman Circle Charter Members Honored

Charter Members of the George Eastman Circle were treated to a special luncheon during Meliora Weekend featuring a talk by keynote speaker General Colin Powell. The Circle’s Senior Director Stephanie Katz said, “This event was very significant because it is the first program we have offered that specifically honors George Eastman Circle members. A precedent has been established for future Meliora weekends and other occasions.”

General Powell was introduced to the group by Thomas Sloan ’65, ’67 (Mas), Trustee and George Eastman Circle National Co-Chair; concluding remarks were made by President Seligman. The General spoke about leadership and the importance of giving back to your community. Charter Members have also been presented with autographed editions of General Powell’s book, My American Journey.

Tax-wise Tips for Donors

As we approach year end and as you counsel your major prospects, keep in mind the following tax-wise giving tips:

  1. As always, a gift of appreciated securities, either outright or to enter into a deferred life income arrangement, can be an excellent strategy. The donor escapes capital gains tax and the University receives the full value of the donated stock.
  2. Charitable gift annuities continue to be by far the most popular form of life income gift. Funded by cash or securities, these simple transactions can cover one or two lives and are available for as little as $5,000.
  3. Under the Pension Protection Act of 2006, your prospects age 70.5 or older have until December 31, 2007 to make an outright transfer from their IRA to the University. If you need language or materials to promote this opportunity, contact the Office of Trusts and Estates at 273.5900.
  4. Every year, the Office of Trusts and Estates receives last minute calls from donors trying to accomplish a planned gift by year-end. In most cases, giving officers in that office can help them successfully accomplish their goals. However, remind your prospects that they risk losing a 2007 tax deduction if they delay too long. The sooner a gift gets underway, the better!

OASIS Q&A

FF: At the All-Advancement meeting held in early November, Jim Thompson referred to gift processing redesign efforts. He made it sound like an incredible undertaking. Can you describe the activities?

OASIS: Since the OASIS system has greatly expanded capabilities for better gift processing policies, one of the key reasons why a new system is being implemented at this time, it made sense to revisit our current policies, looking for areas to improve. A gift processing design team has been working since early this summer to develop a set of policy recommendations that make sense for the University of Rochester.

The design team is comprised of Advancement staff members from Gift and Donor Records, most fundraising departments, and the OASIS team, plus experts from University Finance and a consultant from Grenzebach Glier and Associates. The team used a multifaceted approach to determine best practices and is looking forward to making their final recommendations to Advancement leaders shortly. We invite anyone interested in more information on this topic to see the related article in the Oct./Nov. issue of OASIS Update.

FF: Of course, gift processing is incredibly important to all of us in Advancement; but it’s not something with which we are all intimately involved. What can the average OASIS user expect to see when gift processing goes live in OASIS?

OASIS: We are designing detailed summary Gift Views that will appear on Entity Overview screens, as well as specific fundraiser views for the Fundraiser homepage that, we hope, will greatly improve the accessibility of gift information. These Views will show lifetime giving, current fiscal year gifts, and breakouts for distinct programs. All components of a gift —pledged, paid, matched, and balance due—will appear in one, easy-to-read screen. The OASIS team is looking forward to demonstrating the gift views to everyone in Advancement later this winter.

Website Offers New Features

The planned giving website has been enhanced with the addition of a library of e-brochures and a self-service gift calculator. Designed as an educational service for University alumni and friends, the site is available 24/7 as a source of information on a wide range of gift planning topics. To visit the site, click here.

UR Expanding Horizons

Wilmot Cancer Center Hard Hat Party Offers “Sneak Peek” of New Facility

On October 17, over 150 supporters of the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center and members of the University of Rochester Board of Trustees were among the first to view the new 163,000 square-foot James P. Wilmot Cancer Center facility, currently under construction and scheduled to open for patients in June 2008.

The Hard Hat Party featured tours of all four floors of the new building, with Cancer Center physicians, nurses and scientists, and project managers from lead contractor The Pike Company stationed throughout to offer information. Tours highlighted areas designed to offer patient-centered care in a private and comfortable setting and research laboratories devised to foster collaboration and quickly move findings from the bench to the bedside.

Guests completed their evening with a reception and project update from Medical Center CEO Bradford C. Berk, M.D., Ph.D., Wilmot Cancer Center Director Richard I. Fisher, M.D., and campaign co-chairs Judy Wilmot Linehan and Jim Ryan, Jr. Dr. Fisher announced a $500,000 gift from Joe and Nancy Briggs which has helped the Cancer Center reach $33 million toward its $42.5 million Comprehensive Campaign goal.

View an event photo gallery here.

Gala Trumps Fundraising Record, Yet Again

More than 930 people bought tickets to Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong’s 20th anniversary Gala on Saturday night, October 20, helping the fundraiser net the highest amount ever in its two decade history – $570,000.

The funds were raised through a combination of ticket sales, silent and live auctions, and wish list items to support programs such as the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Child Life. Local businessman Howie Jacobson, chair of the children’s hospital’s board of directors, and also chair of this year’s Gala extravaganza, acted as the auctioneer.

Guests, snazzy in black-tie finery, were treated to an event that sprawled across two hangars at USAirports on Scottsville Road. A special burst of anniversary fireworks right before dinner lent extra sparkle to the evening. Nik and the Nice Guys provided music after dinner, along with surprise talent: surgeons, board members and hospital staff who had been honing their singing voices for that very night!

For their generous support, kind thanks are extended to presenting sponsor, ESL Federal Credit Union, together with special 20th Anniversary Sponsors, The Cabot Group, Palmer Foods, the William and Mildred Levine Foundation, TOPS Markets and Anthony J. Costello & Son, Inc.

To see Gala photos, click here.

President Seligman Carries the Good News from Rochester to New Audiences

On Wednesday, October 24, President Joel and Dr. Friederike Seligman attended a reception in their honor hosted by Trustees Gail Lione ’71 and Hugo Sonnenschein ’61 at The Standard Club in Chicago. Then on Wednesday, November 7, they appeared as the featured guests at a similar event held at the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota, Florida. As part of his ongoing work to expand Rochester’s national presence, President Seligman made use of these occasions to personally spread the good news from campus, strengthen existing partnerships, and forge new connections. As in the past, these “road shows” continue to receive rave reviews from attendees.

Gleason Library Officially Opens

The Gleason Library in Rush Rhees Library opened officially for student use on the evening of Friday, November 2. Students now have access to the new collaborative study space 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The $5 million renovation project was funded with a grant from the Gleason Foundation.

To learn more about the project, click here.

Memorial Art Gallery Director’s Circle Events

The Memorial Art Gallery’s Director’s Circle members (those who give $1,500+ annually) have enjoyed two recent lectures:

  • On October 23, Gallery Director Grant Holcomb discussed Rochester connections to Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five.
  • On November 11, Sheila K. Hoffman, curator of Collections at the Rockwell Museum of Western Art in Corning, lectured on the Nancy and Alan Cameros Collection of Southwestern Pottery, which will be on view at that museum this winter and spring. Mr. and Mrs. Cameros are members of the Gallery’s Director’s Circle and donors to the University, and Mr. Cameros is an Honorary Board member of the Gallery.

Advancements

A warm welcome to new members of the advancement team and congratulations to those who have moved to new positions:

portrait of Sam Lopez

Sam Lopez

Executive Director for Advancement Communications

Sam joined the University of Rochester in January 2005 as director of communications for College advancement. A year later he was named director of advancement communications. He and former Associate Vice President Robert Kraus founded the office, worked with Jim Thompson to define its functions, and began to build a team.

Since June 2006, when Robert unexpectedly left for medical reasons, Sam has overseen the office in an interim role. He has played an important role in many of the past year’s key initiatives and projects, including the Operation Advance Business Plan, Board of Trustees presentations, George Eastman Circle materials, the Goergen Hall dedication, advancement recruiting, and in many other areas.

Sam has made personal visits to advancement communications operations at top universities and has begun to shape a program to support our marketing and communications efforts with an emphasis on quality. “I am confident that under his leadership, advancement communications will be central in embedding a comprehensive marketing orientation across the division,” said Senior Associate Vice President and Director of University Campaigns Jonathan Schwartz.

portrait of Lisa Seichab

Lisa Seichab

Regional Director of Major Gifts

A new member of the Major Gifts and Regional Programs Office, Lisa’s territories are in the southeast and include North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and the East Coast of Florida.

Prior to joining our team, she was the associate director of development for the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins University. Other advancement-related positions she has held include serving as a major gift officer at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and fundraising for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

Having earned her B.M. in applied music from the Eastman School, it is not at all surprising Lisa also has an interesting professional background in music. She was a bassoonist with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, assistant to the music administrator at Carnegie Hall, and assistant to composer/conductor Leonard Bernstein, among other activities. Early in her career, she held part-time positions in Eastman’s Concert Office and at the Sibley Music Library.

See all of the new A-Team members and promotions!

Q&A with Heather Ruggio

FF: Where did you grow up?

Heather: In Woodridge, Illinois, a suburb west of Chicago.

FF: Where did you go to school? Major?

Heather: I went to Northwestern University and majored in religion.

FF: What do you enjoy the most about your position in Advancement?

Heather: I enjoy being involved in the behind-the-scenes work, supporting the work of the front line staff.

FF: Last book you read?

Heather: Right Before Your Eyes, a novel written by one of my friends, Ellen Shanman.

FF: Best vacation you’ve ever been on?

Heather: My husband and I went to Italy for our honeymoon. We spent four days in Rome, then four days in Florence.

FF: Do you have any special talents?

Heather: I played piano and swam when I was younger. I am also a master organizer.

FF: What attracted you to your current position?

Heather: This position represented a great opportunity. By being involved in the conversion project, helping to build the next phase of gift policies and processes, and helping to create a new path for learning and education for Advancement, I am able to work on important projects that interest me greatly.

FF: Favorite musical genre? Artist?

Heather: I like many kinds of music — mostly 80s pop, classical, and classic rock. I don’t have a favorite artist.

FF: If you could meet any one famous person, who would it be?

Heather: Jon Stewart or Adam Sandler.

Milestones

Congratulations to advancement staff members who are celebrating milestones in their years of distinguished service to the University of Rochester:

  • 25 years — Assistant Director of Gallery Advancement Christine Garland
  • 20 years — Assistant Director of Special Events and Annual Giving Kimberly Ann Ziegler
  • 15 years — Director of Creative Services Ann Frederick
  • 10 years — Senior Director of Donor Relations Elizabeth Wehle

Giving Highlights

  • On Thursday, October 25, at a well-attended press conference in the Medical Center, Richard Fields’ $7.1 million gift to create the Fields Center for Neuromuscular and FSHD Research at the University of Rochester was officially announced. Bradford C. Berk, M.D., Ph.D. senior vice president for health sciences and CEO, University of Rochester Medical Center and Strong Health, said, “The center will allow us to harness expertise in a way that was not previously possible.” He spoke about researchers working in partnership across the U.S. and Europe whose findings will ultimately lead to a cure. Mr. Fields, who was present for the occasion, said he became interested in this area of research when a family member was afflicted with the disease. After carefully studying the quality of numerous research programs, he concluded, “The University of Rochester is the only place this center can be.”
  • In early November, Dean Mark Zupan announced the Simon Graduate School of Business is the recipient of five major gifts totaling $5.4 million. The funds will help the school enhance faculty recruitment and retention, promote entrepreneurship education, and offer more scholarships based on academic merit and financial need. The five donors and their gifts are:
    • The William E. Simon Foundation, $2 million for student scholarships based on outstanding academic and professional performance as well as positive impact on the world;
    • Michael Rosen '83, $1.5 million for an endowed professorship in finance;
    • Mark Ain '67, $1 million for increasing the number of students studying entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial activities at Simon;
    • Francis Price '75, $400,000 to the Simon School as part of a $1 million gift to the University for financial need-based aid to enhance diversity; and
    • an anonymous donation for faculty support, $500,000.
    For the complete story, including donor profiles, click here.
  • Estate and trust gifts were excellent for the quarter that ended September 30, 2007. Over $6.4 million was booked, fueled largely by a $3 million partial distribution from the Robert Manchester estate. Additional trust and estate gifts valued at approximately $4.2 million are anticipated by June 30, 2008.
  • The Institute of Optics has announced the creation of the Robert E. Hopkins Center for Optical Design and Engineering as the result of a $2 million gift from former Corning Tropel Corporation CEO John Bruning. For the complete story, click here.
  • Paul F. Griner, M.D., a 1959 graduate of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and former general director of Strong Memorial Hospital, has donated $1 million to the School in support of merit scholarships. For the complete story, click here.
  • A $749,000 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to the University's River Campus Libraries will be used to build and deploy the eXtensible Catalog (XC), a set of open-source software applications libraries can use to share their collections. The grant money will also be used to support broad adoption of the software by the library community. For the complete story, click here.
  • The Memorial Art Gallery’s upcoming show (April 12 to June 15, 2008), American Impressionism from the Phillips Collection, is receiving generous sponsorship from M&T Bank ($25,000); the Riedman Foundation ($25,000); Gouvernet Arts Fund at the Community Foundation ($10,000); Dorothy Centner, in memory of her husband William ($10,000); Mrs. Frederick D. Berkeley III ($10,000); and Jane W. Labrum ($5,000).
  • Denis and Cynthia O’Leary of Scarsdale, New York, have pledge $107,000 to the O’Leary Scholarship Fund and $18,000 to the Denis J. O’Leary Scholarship Fund.
  • The University has been awarded $2 million from the United States Department of Education to operate a program for students at Thomas Jefferson High School and another for math and science enthusiasts across the Rochester City School District. The initiatives combined will receive roughly $500,000 annually over the next four years and serve as many as 100 students from low-income households or who are the first in their family intent on attending college. For the complete story, click here.

Out & About

  • November 28: Rochester — Gerald Gamm and David Primo, UR political science professors, will share their assessment of the 2008 presidential race. 7:00 pm; Hawkins-Carlson Room, Rush Rhees Library. Free event followed by dessert reception. Please register.
  • November 29: Boston — School of Medicine and Dentistry Alumni Dinner featuring Dr. Robert Joynt speaking on “Who's Minding the World: Health Problems in Leaders.” 6:30. St. Botolph Club, 199 Commonwealth Ave.
  • November 29: New York City — Holiday reception for alumni and friends. 6:00 pm; University Club, One West 54th St. Reservations and business attire requested.
  • December 4: Rochester — Highland Hospital 1889 Society Recognition Reception. 6:00 to 8:00 pm; Highland Hospital. The Highland Foundation Heritage Award, the foundation’s highest honor, is given to individuals or organizations who play a significant role in the life of Highland Hospital and our community. This year’s Heritage Award Recipients are the Louis S. and Molly B. Wolk Foundation and William B. Hale. For more information, contact Megan Vargulick at 275-0806.
  • December 12: Rochester — University Advancement Holiday Party. 5:00 to 7:00 pm; Memorial Art Gallery Ballroom, 500 University Ave. RSVP to Francine Miller at fmiller@admin.rochester.edu or x57498
  • Alumni Travel and Learn Program: Alumni Association tours, open to all members of the University community, offer many opportunities to visit exciting locations while learning from noted staff and faculty experts. Make plans now to participate in the Tahiti/ French Polynesia trip (February 3-11) or the Amazon River journey (February 15-24). To learn about this program and discover more travel options, click here.

For further information and reservations (unless otherwise indicated), call (800) 281-2055. To register online, check for updates, view attendee lists, and learn more about alumni programs, click here.

Ghouls, Ghosts, and Goblins Compete in Halloween Games at AAC

The Advancement and Alumni Center became “Day of the Living Dead” on October 31 as departments donned their scariest and most creative costumes in celebration of Halloween. After snacking on cat poop cookies, chocolate pudding brains, and gummy eyeballs, departments competed in three games designed to encourage team building and camaraderie.

Showing off their mummy-wrapping abilities, Annual Giving Programs took first place by covering their victim in toilet paper the quickest. Advancement Administration secured the victory in the scarecrow stuffing and dressing competition and OMG showed off their team work by winning the spider web challenge.

In the costume contest, there was little hesitation in naming Ungrateful Patient Carol Personte winner in the “most creative” division, as she bore all in her hospital gown and slippers. Judy Trau fooled us all as this year’s “best disguised,” dressing as an eerie old man with a sickle. Finally, AAC’s most frightening witch, Jen Jacoby, won “scariest costume.”

A special thank you goes to all of the volunteer committee members, especially Kay Wintemute, Carol Personte, and Emcee Eric Loomis for making this exciting day possible.

To see Halloween photos, click here.

Current Advancement Job Opportunities

For more information about open positions in the University of Rochester’s Advancement Division, visit our Advancement Careers website.

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