Back in 2011, George Washington University embarked on a long journey with a lofty goal. Its “Making History” campaign would be the school’s third major comprehensive campaign and its first campaign to raise one billion (yes, with a b) dollars.

Six years later, and one year earlier than expected, George Washington University successfully closed the “Making History” campaign. At its conclusion, it was the largest capital fundraising campaign in its history, with more than 66,000 donors contributing more than one billion dollars.

Raising a billion dollars is no easy feat. It takes a great deal of planning, outreach, marketing, and one-to-one stewardship. To learn more about this impressive fundraising campaign, we were fortunate to welcome Matt Lindsay, the Executive Director of Digital Strategy and Engagement, and Jen Riordan, Executive Director of Donor Relations, to the Hashtag Higher Ed Podcast.

Ep13. Lessons from George Washington University's $1 Billion Campaign

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Host Kevin Tyler welcomes Eddie Francis, principal and brand consultant with Edify Ventures, to discuss the importance of employer branding in higher education. Colleges and universities must focus on talent attraction, talent experience and talent retention while emphasizing the role of leadership in creating a positive workplace culture and the impact of psychological safety on employee satisfaction.

Want High Student Satisfaction? Well, Who's Going to Deliver It? - Eddie Francis

Host Kevin Tyler interviews branding expert Allen Adamson to discuss the importance of focusing on a clear and distinct mission, rather than diluting the institutional identity with multiple conflicting messages.

In a Word-of-Mouth Business, No One Shares Average - Allen Adamson

Kevin Tyler welcomes Catherine Friday, Ernst & Young Oceania’s managing partner for government and health sciences, as they delve into EY’s global findings of student dissatisfaction and how universities must deliver on the value proposition to remain competitive.

No One Asks What Students Actually Want - Catherine Friday

Higher Voltage’s Kevin Tyler welcomes Jenny Li Fowler, MIT's director of social media strategy and recently published author, to discuss her book, “Organic Social Media: How to Build Flourishing Online Communities.” Fowler emphasizes the importance of elevating the role of social media managers and treating social media as a sophisticated industry.

It’s Time to Treat Social Media as an Adult - Jenny Li Fowler

In the first episode of 2024, host Kevin Tyler sits down with Bennie F. Johnson, the CEO of the American Marketing Association (AMA). As a self-proclaimed "marketing kid," Bennie understands the vulnerability of the marketing industry, especially in higher education. During the discussion, Kevin and Bennie address common misconceptions and emphasize the crucial role of expertise in the field.

Ep13. Lessons from George Washington University's $1 Billion Campaign

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