Member Login

4D | BIG Thanks! Rethinking Your Acknowledgments: Systems, Content and Format

Tuesday, Sept. 26
4:00 - 5:00 PM

Sector
Public College/University,
Private College/Unversity

Experience Level
Suitable for any level

Shop Size
Suitable for any size shop

Category
Acknowledgement

What's the golden standard of acknowledgments? Is your language fresh and sincere enough to thank donors without using the words "thank you"? Are you stuck in the 1990s, sending form, template letters in #10 envelopes and official seal letterhead? Are your acknowledgments making your donors feel truly thanked and appreciated? And how do you know if your organization is acknowledging every gift?

Do these questions keep you awake at night? Get some sleep!

Join us as we take a close look at acknowledgments: what they look like, what words we use, what format and medium they're in. We'll share samples from across the country and flex our writing muscles with a couple of exercises. Then we'll look at ways to ensure we're acknowledging every gift.

 

Debbie Meyers

Debbie Meyers has worked in advancement for more than 30 years, most of that time in higher education. In addition to creating and enhancing donor relations programs at the University of Florida, UF's Health Science Center, and Carnegie Mellon University, she has built communications and development programs for Bishop Moore Catholic High School, her alma mater, and the Orlando Museum of Art. A founding board member of ADRP and a member of many of its committees, she has chaired ADRP's international conference and has presented at every conference since the organization began. She lives in Laurel, MD with her husband, three children (two Terps!) and three dogs. Her life is a constant struggle between the need to correct people's grammar and have friends.

Michelle Milkovich

Michelle Milkovich serves as the Director of Donor Relations for the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park. In her role, Michelle focuses on strategic donor engagement, events and donor recognition for the college. Michelle is an experienced donor relations professional in higher education and previously worked for the University of Maryland Division I Athletic Department and the University of Central Florida Golden Knights Club in similar capacities. Michelle earned her undergraduate degree in business management from the State University of New York at Geneseo and her MBA from the University of Central Florida.