Reflections Magazine Issue #74 - Spring 2011 | Page 2

Column

from the president
Fundraising Has Been a
‘Spiritual Experience’
During the past year or so, I guess you could say
I’ve been “on tour.”
Part of my presidential duties at Siena Heights
is fundraising. Asking for money is so much
easier when you deeply believe in the mission
of Siena. It is not just “asking for money,” but
presenting people like yourselves with the opportunity to change peoples’ lives. I can honestly
say that traveling around the country during
our recent alumni tour has been and continues
to be a spiritual experience for me.
I have been overwhelmed by the goodness and
generosity of people. Every day I walk around
with a grateful heart for each one of you I’ve met
during my travels. It’s been more than just about
raising money. It’s been about building relationships with those who care deeply about Siena
Heights University.
And, I’m happy to report, there are plenty of
people out there who strongly support our
institution. We have a lot of positive energy surrounding Siena Heights. Obviously, we have
new high-profile ventures such as nursing and
football at which to point. However, it goes
deeper than that. I’ve found the mission of Siena
Heights is still relevant, still alive and well, in
the alumni we meet. They are happy to hear
that the mission is still the force driving Siena
Heights. People, programs and facilities may
change, but the spirit of Siena Heights remains
the same as it was 20, 40 and 60 years ago.

2

Reflections Spring ’11

Has that translated into increased fundraising
dollars? Yes, it has. In fact, we have just launched
the public part of our “On Higher Ground”
campaign. This campaign addresses our new
athletic facilities and University Center projects,
as well as increasing the amount of endowed
scholarship dollars we have available. I’m happy
to report that we have already received the five
largest single gifts in the history of the institution
—all within the past year! And though we are
extremely thankful for those gifts, the generosity
of spirit goes beyond the money we seek. At Siena we often talk about giving of our time, treasure or talent—or a combination of the three.
I am amazed at the willingness of our alumni
and friends to support us any way they can.
The fundraising trail is often a very lonely and
private trail to tread. However, I wanted to publicly share with you my experience of it all. To
those I’ve already met “on the road,” thank you
for allowing me into your lives. You have truly
made the experience more like “friendraising”
than fundraising. And to those I’ve yet to meet,
I look forward to the future, knowing that I
will definitely be traveling among “Saints.”
Enjoy the warmth of the summer months!
God bless!

Sister Peg Albert, OP, PhD
President