For the past 20 years, the CASE Commonfund College and University Foundation Award has recognized individuals who have contributed to the advancement of the college and university foundation field.
In celebration of the 20th anniversary of this award, CASE and Commonfund hosted a preconference session to present the award to this year’s recipient, Dr. Vita Pickrum, president of the Delaware State University (DSU) Foundation and vice president for institutional advancement at DSU. Following the presentation of the award, George Suttles, Executive Director, Commonfund Institute, moderated a leadership panel to further recognize Dr. Pickrum, who was joined by Delaware State University President, Dr. Tony Allen and Delaware State University Board Chair, Dr. Devona Williams. During this discussion, the leadership at DSU highlighted their COVID-19 response, receiving a $20 million dollar donation from philanthropist Mackenzie Scott and the importance of philanthropy to support HBCUs, and other strategic partnerships that make DSU one of the premiere universities in the country.
Click here to access the award presentation and DSU leadership session.
During the CASE Annual Conference for College and University Foundations, George Suttles, Executive Director, Commonfund Institute, engaged three past award recipients: Lynette L. Marshall, President and CEO, The University of Iowa Center for Advancement, (2017 award winner), Rickey N. McCurry, J.D., Vice President of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, President of UNLV Foundation (2009 award winner), and Kimberly A. Russell, Ed.D. Vice President for University Advancement, Office of University Advancement, Texas Woman’s University (TWU), (2016 award winner) in a panel discussion about several relevant leadership topics including: bringing students back on campus safely during COVID-19, the future of advancement and alumni engagement post-COVID, and the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to their institutions.
Click here to access the CASE Commonfund general session with these three past award winners.