Developing ExcellenceBy Larry L. Rummell, Director, Development
I am glad to have the opportunity to introduce myself to you, our alumni and friends. While I am new to the college, I have been with Ohio State for nearly 14 years. I spent the last five years in the College of Veterinary Medicine.
My job here includes organizing and facilitating all major gift fund raising. My primary responsibility in the college is to counsel faculty, staff, alumni and friends who wish to fund priorities identified by Dean Goodridge. I can also assist with giving to other areas at Ohio State.
In addition, I have been asked to serve as coordinator in the formation of the first Biological Sciences alumni society. After forming a cadre of volunteers, approving a constitution, and other administrative details, we will be setting the stage for annual events—reunions, recognitions, scholarships, etc. This effort is well underway and you can read more about the society's progress via this link.
As the Development Director, I am supported by and communicate with the many departments in the University's Development Department (i.e. The Presidents Club, the Annual Fund, Planned Giving, Corporations & Foundations, Gift Processing, Donor Relations, the regional offices, Research, etc.) In addition, I have access to the OSU Alumni Association and all colleges and departments on campus.
I can help you plan a deferred gift, check your giving record, or even provide a current map of the campus. If I can't assist you personally, I will find the person who can.
Two major gifts were received recently that reflect the support the college enjoys from individuals and corporations alike. The first, from Helen R. Churella, PhD and her husband, Albert A., is in the form of a charitable remainder trust. When the trust is executed, a portion of the funds will be used to establish an endowment whose interest will provide scholarships for worthy students in our college. The second gift comes in the form of a gift in kind from Procter and Gamble in Cincinnati. Prof. Susan Fisher received some $237,000 worth of hardly used equipment from P&G for use in the Department of Entomology. Support like this for the college is both welcome and appreciated.
The Ohio State University officially launched "Affirm Thy Friendship, The Ohio State University Campaign" in September, 1995. This five-year campaign has a goal of $850 million, which includes a cash and cash pledges goal of $750 million and a deferred gift goal of $100 million. As we go to press, the University has reached 80% of the total goal with 67% of the campaign time elapsed.
Funds raised will be used to support eight university- wide priorities: faculty and teaching; students; academic learning and leadership; research and service partnerships; quality learning environment; the arts, culture and libraries; health and wellness; and annual giving.
The College of Biological Sciences' goal as part of the overall campaign is $5 million. This was pre-determined some years ago and is nearly 100% complete. However, with the advent of Dean Goodridge's arrival and a reassessment with the six department chairs, new priorities are being formulated. You will hear more specifics about these initiatives in the months ahead.
The Development Office maintains regional offices throughout the United States to assist in major gift fund raising and volunteer coordination. The offices are located in: Columbus, OH; New York City, NY; Cleveland, OH; Naples, FL; Cincinnati, OH; and Los Angeles, CA. Contact me if you have questions.
I am currently preparing a list of the top prospects, from alumni and friends of the College, to match with the final list of priorities. In the works, too, is a web site for Development on the College's home page. This site will help answer your most frequently asked questions about supporting the College and OSU on your own time and at your pace. Details about The Presidents Club, ways to give, and planned giving programs will be highlighted. If you can think of more information you might need, please contact me at 614-292-4008 or e-mail me at: rummell.1@osu.edu.