Institutional Advancement

The Office of Institutional Advancement supports the mission of Philander Smith College by strengthening and enhancing the institution’s fiscal position and reputation as a leader in higher education through the pursuit of public and private fundraising, effective donor and alumni relations, compelling public relations and marketing, the production of powerful and creative communication vehicles, and effective management of the Title III grant program – in addition to garnering support for the College through its designation as a UNCF member institution.

 The objectives and strategies of the transformational grant will help revitalize the college by providing resources to increase giving and participation from among two important constituencies: Alumni and Board of Trustees members. (The goals are to increase the percentage of alumni giving from just under 5 percent to above 20 percent in five years and to achieve 100 percent giving from the Board of Trustees.) 

Within the grant proposal, plans call for the addition of activities designed to stimulate participation and strengthen the college’s fundraising infrastructure as some existing events and programs undergo minor changes. Though details are still being developed, the Institutional Advancement team wants alumni and friends to be excited about the changes on the horizon—changes that will permanently alter the direction of the college for the better.

• Commencement 2009 will have a completely different look and feel as Philander Smith hosts the first ever Class Reunion Weekend. Special recognition will be given to the 50^th year reunion of the Class of 1959, and a celebration banquet will honor previous classes that have marked their 50^th reunions. Additionally, graduates from the following class years will also be recognized: 1969, 1979, 1989 and 1999. 
• Following Homecoming 2009, future Homecoming activities will be examined for modification  with the goal of attracting greater participation from all alumni groups, students, faculty and staff.
• Special effort will be given to locating lost alumni in an effort to increase the quality of our alumni database. 
• An integrated communications system will be launched in the early fall that will allow for an increase in targeted direct mail as well as more frequent electronic communication to alumni in our database.  
• The annual Phonathon will be revitalized by using current students to contact alumni about contributing to the Annual Fund this fall. 
• A “Key Cities” program will be implemented with college representatives hosting a special event in 4-6 cities this academic year.
• Planned Giving will become a major focus of the fundraising program through education and consistent messaging about how to employ this vehicle as a means to give back to the college.  
• A robust Faculty/Staff Campaign will be implemented on the heels of a pilot campaign conducted this spring that yielded an impressive 63 percent participation for a first-time effort.
• The relocation of the Office of Institutional Advancement to Kelly Hall (the former president’s home) will promote greater unity and collaboration among the team in addition to providing space inviting to alumni and conducive to meetings and entertainment for fundraising purposes.
• Three new staff members were hired to join the Institutional Advancement team. Among other things, these additional staff members will allow for more personal visits to alumni and friends as we strengthen our capacity and enhance our overall advancement program. 

Office Location

The Office of Institutional Advancement is located in Kelly Hall, the two-story, Colonial-style brick house on campus that formerly served as home to the College’s presidents.