Schedule of Events
August 2–5, 2025
Grand Geneva Resort and Spa
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
The Big Ten Fund Raisers Institute (BTFRI) is an intensive retreat where leading professionals gather to explore emerging challenges and trends in higher education philanthropy. At this conference, you will learn proficiencies for meeting common goals and share stories of successful practice.
Schedule of Events
(All sessions will take place in the Linwood Ballroom unless otherwise noted)
Saturday, August 2
| 4-5:30 p.m. | Conference Registration Location: Grand Geneva Resort and Spa Lobby |
| 6:30 p.m. | Opening Reception and Dinner Location: Links patio (if inclement weather, Linwood Ballroom) |
Sunday, August 3
| 7:45 a.m. | Breakfast available in Linwood Ballroom |
| 8:20-8:30 a.m. | Welcome and Opening Remarks |
| 8:30-10:00 a.m. | Changing Landscape of Higher Education Presenter: Penelepe Hunt |
| 10:00-10:15 a.m. | Break |
| 10:15-11:15 a.m. | Fundraising from the Perspective of University Leadership Presenters: President Robert Jones, University of Washington, in conversation with Jim Moore |
| 11:15 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Break |
| 12:00-1:15 p.m. | Changing Landscape Break Out Lunch Discussions Led by BTFRI Faculty in breakout rooms |
| 1:15-1:30 p.m. | Break |
| 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Cultivating Campus Partnerships Presenters: Lynette Marshall, Jim Moore, Alison Traub, Rhea Turteltaub |
| 2:30-2:45 p.m. | Break |
| 2:45-3:45 p.m. | Planning and Executing Campaigns Moderator: Penelepe Hunt Panel: BTFRI Faculty |
| 3:45-5:55 p.m. | Free Time |
| 5:55 p.m. | Meet in hotel lobby for a group photo |
| 6:10 p.m. | Depart Grand Geneva by bus |
| 6:30 p.m. | Lake Geneva Dinner Cruise |
Monday, August 4
| 8:30-10:00 a.m. | Breakfast Available in Linwood Ballroom |
| 8:30-10:00 a.m. | Managing Fundraisers Using Data Presenter: David Lively and Lynette Marshall |
| 10:00-10:15 a.m. | Break |
| 10:15-11:45 a.m. | Role of Philanthropy in Addressing Changing Landscape Moderator: Penelepe Hunt Panelists: BTFRI Faculty |
| 11:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Break |
| 12:00-1:15 p.m. | Lunch with Faculty Hosted Topics Artificial Intelligence & Advancement: Jim Moore Creating a Culture of Philanthropy on Campus: Alison Traub Managing Fundraisers (cont. discussion): Lynette Marshall & David Lively Onboarding Leadership: Rhea Turtletaub Staff Training: Penelepe Hunt Location: Breakout Rooms |
| 1:15-1:30 p.m. | Break |
| 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Managing Difficult Conversations during a Crisis Presenter: Penelepe Hunt Presenters: BTFRI Faculty |
| 2:30-2:45 p.m. | Break |
| 2:45-3:45 p.m. | Donor Advised Funds Presenter: Penelepe Hunt |
| 3:45-6:15 p.m. | Free Time |
| 6:15 p.m. | Depart Grand Geneva |
| 6:30 p.m. | Dinner with faculty Geneva Lake Distilling and Winery |
Tuesday, August 5
| 7:45 a.m. | Breakfast available in Linwood Ballroom |
| 8:30-10:00 a.m. | Leadership Lessons Moderator: Rhea Turteltaub Panel: BTFRI Faculty |
| 10:00-10:15 a.m. | Break |
| 10:15-11:45 a.m. | Managing Your Career Moderator: Jim Moore Panel: BTFRI Faculty |
| 11:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Break |
| 12:00-1:15 p.m. | Faculty Hosted Lunch Opportunity to Connect in Small Groups with Faculty |
| 1:15-1:30 p.m. | Break |
| 1:30-2:30 p.m. | The Higher Education Advancement Market Presenter: Betsy Jackman |
| 2:30-2:45 p.m. | Break |
| 2:45-3:45 p.m. | Conversation with Northwestern Donors Presenters: Sara and Kip Kirkpatrick, in conversation with David |
| 3:45-5:55 p.m. | Free Time |
| 5:55 p.m. | Meet in lobby |
| 6 p.m. | Depart Grand Geneva by bus |
| 6:30 p.m. | Closing Dinner, Pier 290 |