December was a strong month thanks to our donors. More than $12.3 million representing 45 per cent of our total revenue received to date this year was donated in the final month of the calendar year. Everyone in Advancement can take some credit in this success, so pause and celebrate.
And after you celebrate, please refocus quickly as we head into the final four months of our fiscal year. As we currently stand at 45 per cent of our $60 million fundraising goal, we still have work to do to reach our number.
And any work we initiate this year that doesn’t come to fruition will still pad our pipeline for next year, which is a top priority.
Take Advantage of Educational Opportunities on Campus … For You!
The Queen’s Gazette regularly highlights lectures open to all of us on campus. Be sure to take advantage of our privileged access to so many wonderful educational offerings.
Last week alone two powerful lectures were open to all. They dealt with indigenous issues and suicide prevention. Both were standing room only and an hour in length during the day – fascinating and very accessible. Below are the links to these events. Keep abreast of the opportunities and take advantage of the lifelong learning open to all of us.
Public Lecture: The Complex Science of Suicide Prevention
Indigenous Solidarity: A Conversation Series
Educational Advisory Board (EAB) – Advancement Forum
Just a reminder to take advantage of all the information and research available through Advancement’s paid membership in EAB. Development officers are expected to document a minimum of 11 EAB activities per year as part of their performance review process. This could include participating in a training video online, reading a research paper, asking EAB to provide research in support of a particular initiative at work, etc.
Making the Most of Your EAB Membership: An Overview of Resources
This membership is a major investment in our professional development and covers many but not all of the important subjects on philanthropy and fundraising in the educational sector.
Making the Most of Your Advancement Forum Membership
Fundraising Campaigns Underway/Coming Soon: A Quick Summary FYI:
JDUC revitalization ($10 million by Fall 2020)
Promise Campaign ($30 million and $10 million in future gifts by May 2022)
Richardson Stadium – Athletes Pavilion ($10 million by February 2020)
Agnes revitalization ($TBD)
Principal’s Conversation: There’s Still Time to Be Part of the Process
Two more sessions will be held on campus – one in January and a second in February. Get involved, have your say, or just hear from colleagues and the new principal.
Invitation to the Isabel
The Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts invites members of the Advancement team and their guests to join us at the Havana Heat: ALDO LÓPEZ-GAVILÁN, JAZZ PIANIST performance at 7:30 pm on Thursday, March 12, 2020.
If you and a guest would like to attend, please email Anna Samulak at anna.samulak@queensu.ca by end of day Jan. 22, 2020 to confirm your two complimentary tickets.
Add Your Project to the CCAE Entries
Advancement is getting ready to submit entries to the 2020 The Prix d’Excellence the annual awards program of the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE). These awards recognize outstanding achievements in alumni affairs, public affairs, communications, marketing, development, advancement services, stewardship, and overall institutional advancement.
There are 28 categories – including best alumni event, best annual giving initiative, best use of video/film, and best fundraising materials. Staff from Queen's Advancement did a LOT of good work in 2019, so please consider nominating your efforts for this industry recognition.
Kate Bearse will co-ordinate entries on behalf of the Office of Advancement. Those planning a submission should let Kate know ASAP, and final entry drafts should be forwarded to Kate by Feb. 5 for submission to CCAE by the deadline.
Jobs with Advancement
We need your recruitment help. Know great talent that would be a good addition to our team? If so, please promote the vacancy below with your networks and let’s find some amazing new team members.
Applications (including a cover letter and resume) must be submitted through CareerQ. For additional information on this posting, please reach out to either Katelyn, Carla, or the hiring manager for the position you are interested in.
Available Position:
| POSITION | UNIT AND DEPARTMENT | CLOSING DATE | GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Director, Alumni and Student Strategic Initiatives | Alumni & Volunteer Engagement Unit | Sunday, January 26 | 10 |
| Development and Stewardship Coordinator | Smith Development & AR | Monday, January 13 | 7 |
Fun Fact: First Departmental Naming in Queen’s History
The department of Mining Engineering was founded as a central part of the Queen's-affiliated Ontario School of Mining and Agriculture (now the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science). Classes began on Oct. 9, 1893 in Carruthers Hall, which was leased from the university. It was thus the first active department in what evolved into the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science.
From its inauguration in 1893, Mining Engineering at Queen's has held a significant position in the Canadian mineral industry. Its graduates are involved in all facets of the Canadian mineral industry and can also be found in most major mining operations throughout the world.
In 2009, Robert M. Buchan, MSc '72, one of the most influential figures in Canadian mining history, made one of the largest gifts ever to Queen's and the largest single gift to mining in Canada: $10 million. The funding is used to support students, faculty, and programming. In gratitude for the gift, the Board of Trustees permanently re-named the department 'The Robert M. Buchan Department of Mining' – the first department ever named at Queen’s in its rich history.