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Consultant Bruce Flessner (right) meets with Alumni Office staff. |
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Philanthropy consulting firm named to assist with upcoming campaign
In preparation for its next comprehensive capital campaign, the University has hired a leading national philanthropic consulting firm based in Minneapolis, Minn.
During the first week of January, representatives of Bentz Whaley Flessner met with URI officials to lay the foundation for a comprehensive plan for the campaign. The group will provide the University with a feasibility study and periodic counsel over the next two years. The results of the feasibility study are expected to be submitted by May.
Bentz Whaley Flessner is known for its team approach, and its consultants have years of direct involvement with development programs for public and private universities, academic medical centers and hospitals; and cultural, social service and environmental organizations across the country. The firm has consulted on campaigns ranging from $10 million to more than $1 billion.
“Bentz Whaley Flessner is known widely as the gold standard for campaign consulting in higher education circles,” said Robert Beagle, vice president of University Advancement. “The firm brings a comprehensive approach to philanthropy programs that generates enthusiasm, momentum and ultimately success. We selected the firm because of its extensive experience with public universities and because it thinks outside the box.”
On January 5, Bruce W. Flessner, a principal at the firm who has served hundreds of clients in his more than 20 years of consulting, met with major University officials, including President Robert L. Carothers; M. Beverly Swan, provost and vice president of academic affairs; Robert Weygand, vice president of administration; Paul Witham, associate vice president of development, and Beagle.
By the end of the week, either John S. McConnell, a senior associate with 18 years of institutional development experience, or Flessner had met with every member of the Division of University Advancement, which includes Alumni Relations, Athletic Advancement, Communications/News Bureau, Development and Publications. Flessner and McConnell also made a special presentation to URI Foundation trustees and staff.
“In the world of philanthropy, they are considered national leaders,” Witham said. “We are extremely fortunate to have them joining our team. We’re confident that the collaboration of Bentz Whaley Flessner with our outstanding volunteer leaders and University professionals will result in a successful campaign.”
Witham said the firm will address strategies and priorities, leadership gift efforts, the volunteer structure for the campaign, training, the case statement and the communications plan.
“Of course the firm will also help us with setting the goal,” Witham said.
The University wants to build on the overwhelming success of its first comprehensive campaign, which wrapped up in 1997. The “Commitment to Quality Campaign” raised $67 million, $17 million more than the goal set in 1992. More recently, the University also had three successful building campaigns, which raised more than $22 million in private funding.
By Dave Lavallee
