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Wanting to upgrade some of their academic facilities, but having recently completed two successful major campaigns for a chapel and environmental science programs, Thomas More College called upon Smith Beers Yunker & Company to assess its constituent’s likely response to another campaign.
According to Vice President of Institutional Advancement Cathy Silvers, “We were pleased with the outcome of the planning process, even though it indicated that it would not be a good time to launch another campaign. Instead, Smith Beers Yunker provided suggestions for moving forward more slowly with fundraising efforts targeted to the needed classroom upgrades.”
“The presentation to our board was comprehensive,” Cathy continues, “and we heard back from those who were interviewed that they were very comfortable talking with Jim Yunker. He is quite knowledgeable and asks all the right questions.”
Jeanne-Marie Tapke, Chair of the College’s Board of Trustees, concurs that the approach to the interviews was very effective in that “people were willing to share what they really thought.”
She goes on to comment on the value of having an objective third party involved. “Not only did Smith Beers Yunker formulate questions that elicited an honest response from members of the community, but they also offered guidance based on solid knowledge and expertise in the development field. We got a good product. They told us what they were going to do and when, and it was done, all very professionally. I was grateful for the service and also pleased that I was able to ask questions that were helpful to me in my role as board chair. The advice we got from Smith Beers Yunker helped the board make good solid decisions.”
Cathy adds, “Smith Beers Yunker was quite clear in explaining what was needed from our staff and there was no time wasted. Deadlines were set and expectations stated clearly. I would definitely recommend Smith Beers Yunker to others." |