RAISE Podcast

On this episode of the RAISE Podcast, Brent sits down with Wesley Stewart, Senior Associate Vice President of Development at the University of Oregon. Wesley discusses innovative strategies for fundraising in challenging markets, the power of mentorship, and her commitment to creating safe and supportive work environments in the advancement field.

Matthew J. Ter Molen has more than 30 years of expertise in development and fundraising. Prior to joining the RPI team in early 2023, he was the Chief Advancement Officer and Senior Vice President at Syracuse University, where he served for more than eight years. In this role, he oversaw all alumni relations and development activities, including the planning, launch, and execution of the $1.5 billion University-wide campaign "Forever Orange," which raised more in private philanthropy than at any other time in Syracuse University history. Prior to Syracuse, Ter Molen held a range of positions at Northwestern University, the most recent being the Associate Vice President and Campaign Manager. Ter Molen's career began at the University at Chicago in their annual giving office.

Ter Molen holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Miami University in Ohio, and served in the Peace Corps in Honduras for two years prior to the start of his career in fundraising.

At the Rugers University Foundation, Mark Antonucci leads a division comprising alumni engagement, institutional giving and resource development, annual giving and stakeholder engagement, donor relations and stewardship, events, communications, systems and technology, records and research, human resources and training, and board management.

On this episode of the RAISE Podcast, Brent hosts Derek Dictson, Vice President for University Advancement at Colorado State University.

Derek shares his inspiring journey from the dot-com boom and bust in Seattle to leading major advancement initiatives at top institutions like Texas A&M and Auburn University. He delves into how his experiences in the tech industry have influenced his innovative approach to fundraising and donor engagement.

Derek also discusses the unique structure of CSU’s advancement model, which integrates presidential events and university ceremonies, and highlights the successful implementation of a new Salesforce-based database. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology and AI to streamline processes and build meaningful donor relationships.

When asked about his perspective on the future of advancement, Derek says, "We’re just at the tip of the iceberg. The potential for AI to transform our work and make us more efficient is incredibly exciting. It’s a brave new world, and we need to stay ahead of the curve."

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Nancy Jackson was appointed Chief Development Officer at the Kansas University Endowment, where she leads the organization's comprehensive efforts to build relationships with its philanthropic communities, including alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations, securing resources to support KU's mission in higher education.

In her role, Jackson works closely with deans and development professionals across all KU schools and units to advance strategic priorities and raise financial support for students, faculty, research, healthcare, the arts, athletics, and community programs. A major focus of the Endowment is also engaging KU's vast alumni network.

An accomplished development leader with a history of fostering high-performing teams, Jackson co-founded Generous Change, a consultancy focused on innovative fundraising strategies. Her previous roles include senior positions at Generous Change, the Capital Group, and various nonprofit organizations in California.

Originally from California, Jackson holds a bachelor’s degree from UCLA and completed her studies at KU. She resides in Kansas with her family, bringing her diverse experience and passion for philanthropy to her role at KU Endowment.

Since joining the University of Rochester, Tom Farrell has made significant strides as the Senior Vice President of Advancement, leading initiatives that emphasize empathy and the value of diverse experiences in higher education fundraising. Tom’s unique journey began in Rochester, influenced by his father’s progressive approach to education and his mother’s dedication as a high school teacher. He initially pursued a double major in history and political science at the University of Rochester, followed by a career in financial services. Tom’s varied roles, from gas station attendant to janitor, enriched his understanding of different perspectives, shaping his empathetic approach to advancement. His professional journey took him from the University of Buffalo to Dartmouth and the Ivy League, where he honed his skills in major gift and estate planning. Now, at the University of Rochester, Tom leverages his extensive experience to lead a mission-driven team, focusing on education, research, public service, and healthcare, while preparing for an exciting new campaign. Join us to hear Tom’s insightful reflections on his career, the evolving landscape of advancement, and the critical role of empathy in building successful donor relationships.

Since joining UnityPoint Health, Jake Heuser has brought a wealth of experience and innovation to his role as Vice President of System Philanthropy. Jake's career began with leadership roles in Phi Delta Theta at Missouri State University, where his transformative experiences shaped his future in philanthropy. At Bradley University, Jake's strategic vision and deep connection with alumni and the Peoria community drove significant achievements, including multiple seven and eight-figure gifts, with a notable $10 million donation. Now at UnityPoint Health, Jake continues to innovate, successfully transitioning from higher education to healthcare philanthropy. In this episode, Jake shares his insights on leadership, the importance of deep connections, and his vision for the future of healthcare philanthropy. Join us as we delve into Jake's inspiring story and the impactful lessons he's learned along the way.

Since joining NC State University as Vice Chancellor of University Advancement, Brian Sischo has spearheaded numerous initiatives to strengthen the university’s engagement and fundraising efforts. With a rich background in finance and development, Brian's journey began at Clarkson University, where he transferred after community college and continued to excel both academically and athletically.

Prior to NC State, Brian held significant roles at Syracuse University, where he contributed to a billion-dollar campaign, and at Clarkson University, where he helped transform the institution’s fundraising strategies.

Brian’s unique blend of strategic vision and hands-on experience has positioned NC State as a leader in higher education advancement. Listen to Brian’s inspiring story and insights on the latest episode of The RAISE podcast.