Schedule of Events
August 3–6, 2024
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.
Unless otherwise noted, all sessions will be led by BTFRI Faculty.
Rod Kirsch: Faculty, BTFRI
Consulting Vice President, Grenzebach Glier+ Associates
David Lively: Dean, BTFRI
Vice President, Alumni Relations and Development, Northwestern University
Lynette L. Marshall: Faculty, BTFRI and former Dean, BTFRI (2015-2022)
President and CEO, The University of Iowa Center for Advancement
James H. Moore, Jr.: Faculty, BTFRI
President/CEO, University of Illinois Foundation
Alison Traub: Faculty, BTFRI
Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations, University of Cambridge
Rhea Turteltaub: Faculty, BTFRI
Vice Chancellor, External Affairs, UCLA
Schedule of Events
(All sessions will take place in the Linwood Ballroom unless otherwise noted)
Saturday, August 3
| 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 4
| 7:45 a.m. | Breakfast available |
| 8:20-8:30 a.m. | Welcome and Opening Remarks |
| 8:30-10:00 a.m. | Changing Landscape of Higher Education Presenter: Rod Kirsch |
| 10:00-10:15 a.m. | Break |
| 10:15-11:15 a.m. | Fundraising from the Perspective of University Leadership Presenters: Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin, University of Wisconsin-Madison Alisa Robertson, President and Chief Advancement Officer, Wisconsin Foundation & Alumni Association |
| 11:15 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Break |
| 12:00-1:15 p.m. | Luncheon with Faculty-Hosted Table Topics
Location: Breakout Rooms |
| 1:15-1:30 p.m. | Break |
| 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Cultivating Campus Partnerships Presenters: Lynette Marshall, Rhea Turteltaub, Alison Traub and Jim Moore |
| 2:30-2:45 p.m. | Break |
| 2:45-3:45 p.m. | Planning and Executive Campaigns Moderator: Rod Kirsch 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 5
| 8:30-10:00 a.m. | Managing Fundraisers Using Data Presenter: David Lively |
| 10:00-10:15 a.m. | Break |
| 10:15-11:45 a.m. | Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), “Panel of Practitioners” Moderator: Lisa G. Williams, Executive Director of DEI, Northwestern ARD Presenters: Mark Gaines, Vice President of Development, Indiana University Foundation Jacqueline Gatson, Assistant Vice President of Advancement for DEI, Purdue for Life Foundation Chelsey Megli, HR Director, John Hopkins University |
| 11:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Break |
| 12:00-1:15 p.m. | DEI Break Out Discussions over Lunch Led by DEI Panelists Location: Breakout Rooms |
| 1:15-1:30 p.m. | Break |
| 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Compelling Gift Conversations Presenter: Rod Kirsch |
| 2:30-2:45 p.m. | Break |
| 2:45-3:45 p.m. | Managing Difficult Conversations During a Crisis Moderator: Rod Kirsch Panel: BTFRI Faculty |
| 3:45-6:00 p.m. | Free Time |
| 6:00 p.m. | Dinner with faculty Geneva ChopHouse (at Grand Geneva Resort) |
Tuesday, August 6
| 7:45 a.m. | Breakfast available |
| 8:20-8:30 a.m. | Welcome and Opening Remarks |
| 8:30-10:00 a.m. | Leadership Lessons: Understanding the Numbers in Higher Education Moderator: Rhea Turteltaub Panel: BTFRI Faculty |
| 10:00-10:15 a.m. | Break |
| 10:15-11:45 a.m. | Managing in your career Moderator: Jim Moore Panel: BTFRI Faculty |
| 11:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Break |
| 12:00-1:15 p.m. | Lunch with Faculty Hosted Topics
Location: Breakout Rooms |
| 1:15-1:30 p.m. | Break |
| 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Navigating Competitive Markets and Evolving Talent Dynamics in 2024 Presenter: Deb Taft, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Owner, Lindauer |
| 2:30-2:45 p.m. | Break |
| 2:45-3:45 p.m. | Conversation with a Donor Presenters: Andrew Code, Chair, Iowa Center for Advancement Board of Directors, in conversation with Lynette |
| 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 |