There is a quote that has followed me throughout my career:
People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Why I Believe Advancement is Really About Relationships
When people hear the word advancement, they often think about fundraising. While fundraising is clearly an important part of work, I’ve come to believe that advancement is fundamentally about something much deeper: relationships.
Every meaningful gift, every engaged volunteer, every proud alumnus, and every supportive parent have one thing in common — connection to a mission they believe in.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked in communications, marketing, employee engagement, and community relations. In every role, I’ve discovered that lasting success doesn’t become doesn’t come from transactions; It comes from trust. It comes from listening to people, understanding what matters to them, and creating opportunities for them to contribute to something larger than themselves.
This belief in one is one reason educational advancement resonates so strongly with me.
Schools don’t simply educate students. They shape futures, build character, and strengthen communities. The best advancement programs tell those stories in a way that inspires people to become partners in the mission. They help alumni reconnect their chairs, families, invite parents to invest in the next generation, and empower donors to see the lasting impact of their generosity.
As a parent, I experienced firsthand how transformative great a great school can be. I’ve watched educators challenge students to grow academically and, socially and personally. I’ve seen communities rally around the shared vision for excellence. Those experiences have reinforced my belief that advancement professionals have the privilege and responsibility of connecting people to a mission that changes lives.
Leadership in advancement requires strategic thinking, strong communication, and a commitment to stewardship, but perhaps most importantly, it requires genuine care for people. Relationships are built one conversation at a time, one active service at a time, and one story at a time.
As I continue my leadership journey, I remain guided by a simple principle. When we lead with purpose and build relationships with authenticity, extraordinary things become possible. The quote I shared above is one that I heard very early in my career, and it still rings true today and even more so in advancement.
That’s the perspective I’ll continue bringing to every opportunity, every partnership, and every mission I am fortunate enough to serve.
Leave a Reply