DeanWuBlog

Advancement

Among a law school dean’s most important responsibilities is advancement of the institution. “Advancement” in this context is a euphemism for fundraising. It is a constant calling. Even public institutions in this era depend heavily on private support.

Like many deans, I have found advancement to be a fulfilling activity, perhaps the best part of the job. Observers sometimes suppose that development (another euphemism) will be a duty that is less than pleasant, but in fact the people whom one sees are generally supportive of the school already and they usually have a sense that they will be asked for money at some point. The interaction is as positive as possible, because it consists of discussing the strengths as well as the needs of our Law School, with someone who is already a stakeholder. They are a friend to us, even if they are not yet known to me. One does not simply accost strangers with a demand for a contribution.

The crucial lesson of advancement, development, fundraising or whatever name we give it, is that people must be invested as more than merely sources of revenue. Otherwise, they will give only once. They must be genuine stakeholders, whether it is as adjunct professors, guest lecturers, moot court judges, or simply attendees at conferences. They must come to campus, interact with us, and feel as if they are part of a community that needs them. So I have found that to persuade them to give time, which is more valuable than money for any of our prospective supporters, is the greater challenge; once they have sacrificed their time, they will follow by offering their money.

The best fundraisers, however, are students. As individuals and in groups, they are far more appealing to virtually everyone, than any dean or faculty member, building, or program, no matter what the message or how articulate the presentation. So I encourage our current students and recent graduates, especially interactions with their peers, to discuss the value of the education they are receiving. It is in their principled self-interest to do so.

As we undertake this activity, it is important to bear in mind that we must express appreciation at every turn. The cliché is true – and it is effective as an appeal – “every penny counts.”