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Leveraging student groups to transform corporate donors into major gift partners
Journal of Education Advancement & Marketing,
9
(4),
336-343
(2025)
Abstract
This paper focuses on the Rochester Institute of Technology’s (RIT) utilisation of student groups to create broad corporate partnerships resulting in multiyear, major gift commitments. It includes an overview of the process of converting companies into dedicated university partners, strategies for positioning oneself as the liaison between companies and student organisations, and success stories of the university’s programme. The process described can be applied to any organisation with student groups that companies seek to use as a recruitment pool.
Keywords: corporate fundraising; student groups; partnerships; stewardship; strategy; cultivation
The full article is available to subscribers to the journal.
Author's Biography
Dan Case is the Associate Director of Advancement for the Kate Gleason College of Engineering at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). During his time at RIT, Dan has prioritised building active partnerships with Alumni Relations and Regional Advancement colleagues to approach donors more holistically. He has been a champion for underrepresented voices and has made communication with university leadership more accessible to female engineering alumni and members of the LGBTQ+ community. He has also been a fierce advocate for supporting student organisation and has secured numerous multiyear major gift pledges from companies looking to enhance their brands on campus.
