(06-01-2013 12:01 AM)atljmualum Wrote:  

(05-31-2013 09:29 PM)hburg Wrote:  Saw that the Madison Forever Vision Fund's Alumni Matching Gift Challenge reached it's $300,000 goal.

Now if they can just communicate a vision.

If we can raise 300k without anything specific being communicated from both the academic and athletic side, imagine what we'd make with direction effectively communicated.

I'm not trying to be negative, simply asking the question, I really didn't "get" this Vision Fund. What is different about it verses some others like the Madison Fund? Why do schools have so many different fund names?

I see three ways to give: the endowment, current needs, and athletics. I guess I can see giving directly to your special interest like the Business School, so there should be funds for those. However, in my eyes, there is a lot of overlap in some of the funds.

Is it designed this way for marketing purposes or is this more of an accounting function? Maybe its some of both. I just hope its not done this way so that leaders can pat themselves on their own back. It should be totally about the givers and not the establishers, because, IMHO, that's what they get paid to do.

(06-01-2013 12:01 AM)atljmualum Wrote:  

(05-31-2013 09:29 PM)hburg Wrote:  Saw that the Madison Forever Vision Fund's Alumni Matching Gift Challenge reached it's $300,000 goal.

Now if they can just communicate a vision.

I donated $100 for no reason other than I was glad that Alger was forced to hire Carr a year late.

Wood Selig quote in June 1 DNR article ODU On the Move. "I'm sure there will always be people who don't understand that the money we generate for the academic side and the money we generate for the auxillary side are from different pots. I think as a result of the athletic side, it has ENGAGED more people."

ODU is taking our Ws & our platitudes. Next they will go from Be the Change to Changed.

Today's Norfolk media

"Old Dominion is talking with a handful of Big Ten, SEC and ACC schools about playing a “guarantee” football game, in which the Monarchs would go on the road in return for a pay check of $1 million or more..."

(06-01-2013 05:59 AM)Potomac Wrote:  

(06-01-2013 12:01 AM)atljmualum Wrote:  

(05-31-2013 09:29 PM)hburg Wrote:  Saw that the Madison Forever Vision Fund's Alumni Matching Gift Challenge reached it's $300,000 goal.

Now if they can just communicate a vision.

If we can raise 300k without anything specific being communicated from both the academic and athletic side, imagine what we'd make with direction effectively communicated.

There were a few things I never understood about the 300k vision fund campaign. Can someone who is more involved clarify a few things for me:

1) Wasnt 100k of that 300k "from the alumni association"? How does the alumni association give 100K? Where does that money come from. It makes as much sense to me as if the Duke Club said they would match our donations...but they get their money from us...so I am confused???

2) This is beating a dead horse but a VISION fund without a VISION makes zero sense to me.

3) Havent they been advertising this since the beginning of the year? No offense but raising only 200k over a 6 month period doesnt seem like that much to get excited about

If I am misinformed about any of those points, please correct me. Again, I am hoping for someone with more knowledge about this stuff to clarify things a bit.

(06-01-2013 02:43 PM)DolleyMadison Wrote:  

(06-01-2013 05:59 AM)Potomac Wrote:  

(06-01-2013 12:01 AM)atljmualum Wrote:  

(05-31-2013 09:29 PM)hburg Wrote:  Saw that the Madison Forever Vision Fund's Alumni Matching Gift Challenge reached it's $300,000 goal.

Now if they can just communicate a vision.

If we can raise 300k without anything specific being communicated from both the academic and athletic side, imagine what we'd make with direction effectively communicated.

There were a few things I never understood about the 300k vision fund campaign. Can someone who is more involved clarify a few things for me:

1) Wasnt 100k of that 300k "from the alumni association"? How does the alumni association give 100K? Where does that money come from. It makes as much sense to me as if the Duke Club said they would match our donations...but they get their money from us...so I am confused???

2) This is beating a dead horse but a VISION fund without a VISION makes zero sense to me.

3) Havent they been advertising this since the beginning of the year? No offense but raising only 200k over a 6 month period doesnt seem like that much to get excited about

If I am misinformed about any of those points, please correct me. Again, I am hoping for someone with more knowledge about this stuff to clarify things a bit.

Who WOULD contribute to a visionless vision fund? I can't SEE through to the logic!

(06-01-2013 02:43 PM)DolleyMadison Wrote:  

(06-01-2013 05:59 AM)Potomac Wrote:  

(06-01-2013 12:01 AM)atljmualum Wrote:  

(05-31-2013 09:29 PM)hburg Wrote:  Saw that the Madison Forever Vision Fund's Alumni Matching Gift Challenge reached it's $300,000 goal.

Now if they can just communicate a vision.

If we can raise 300k without anything specific being communicated from both the academic and athletic side, imagine what we'd make with direction effectively communicated.

I can't help with most of this but the alumni association is a 501 ©(3)that raises most of its money thru affinity programs like BOA JMU crediit card program and Liberty Mutual Insurance. The alumni association gives money to JMU for things like sponsoring the alumni courtyard at the forbes center. I'd guess that they were looking for a cause to give the $ and hoped that giving this way would encourage others. The alumni assilociation is run by a volunteer alumni board. Board members are rolling on and off every year. If interested you should call the alumni office to volunteer at 1888-JMU-ALUM
There were a few things I never understood about the 300k vision fund campaign. Can someone who is more involved clarify a few things for me:

1) Wasnt 100k of that 300k "from the alumni association"? How does the alumni association give 100K? Where does that money come from. It makes as much sense to me as if the Duke Club said they would match our donations...but they get their money from us...so I am confused???

2) This is beating a dead horse but a VISION fund without a VISION makes zero sense to me.

3) Havent they been advertising this since the beginning of the year? No offense but raising only 200k over a 6 month period doesnt seem like that much to get excited about

If I am misinformed about any of those points, please correct me. Again, I am hoping for someone with more knowledge about this stuff to clarify things a bit.

I just shake my head when it comes to JMU's administration. It's nothing other than sad. The incompetence is just mind blowing. They don't do ANYTHING.

Has anyone asked President Alger to explain the goal supporting the Vision Fund during the listening tour? I can't believe he would offer any of these potential answers:

1) "geez, don't know"
2) "why do you think JMU should have a vision?"
3) "what vision fund?"

(06-02-2013 07:01 PM)Purplehazed Wrote:  Has anyone asked President Alger to explain the goal supporting the Vision Fund during the listening tour? I can't believe he would offer any of these potential answers:

1) "geez, don't know"
2) "why do you think JMU should have a vision?"
3) "what vision fund?"

Did anyone here look at the materials the school sent with the funding requests, or google "JMU Vision fund"? If you did the latter, you'd get this result: http://www.jmu.edu/madisonforever/vision-fund.shtml

The Vision Fund is supposed to help provide the following:
seed money for new program development,
resources for retaining exceptional talent,
funds for strategic partnerships,
and important support for many big dreams in Madison's future.

That's pretty clear to me. This is supposed to be part of the kickoff, or the seed money, for Alger's vision of what he wants for JMU, to be an example for a new model for higher education, the engaged University. He talked about that a lot around the time of his installation, and I expect that in the years to come the practical aspects of how JMU is moving in that direction should be communicated to donors

(06-02-2013 08:59 PM)QuinDuke Wrote:  

(06-02-2013 07:01 PM)Purplehazed Wrote:  Has anyone asked President Alger to explain the goal supporting the Vision Fund during the listening tour? I can't believe he would offer any of these potential answers:

1) "geez, don't know"
2) "why do you think JMU should have a vision?"
3) "what vision fund?"

Did anyone here look at the materials the school sent with the funding requests, or google "JMU Vision fund"? If you did the latter, you'd get this result: http://www.jmu.edu/madisonforever/vision-fund.shtml

The Vision Fund is supposed to help provide the following:
seed money for new program development,
resources for retaining exceptional talent,
funds for strategic partnerships,
and important support for many big dreams in Madison's future.

That's pretty clear to me. This is supposed to be part of the kickoff, or the seed money, for Alger's vision of what he wants for JMU, to be an example for a new model for higher education, the engaged University. He talked about that a lot around the time of his installation, and I expect that in the years to come the practical aspects of how JMU is moving in that direction should be communicated to donors

Quin, I'm not sure what you have just said... I'm sure its just my southern simple mind. No need to go any further on my account.

(06-02-2013 09:10 PM)BleedingPurple Wrote:  

(06-02-2013 08:59 PM)QuinDuke Wrote:  

(06-02-2013 07:01 PM)Purplehazed Wrote:  Has anyone asked President Alger to explain the goal supporting the Vision Fund during the listening tour? I can't believe he would offer any of these potential answers:

1) "geez, don't know"
2) "why do you think JMU should have a vision?"
3) "what vision fund?"

Did anyone here look at the materials the school sent with the funding requests, or google "JMU Vision fund"? If you did the latter, you'd get this result: http://www.jmu.edu/madisonforever/vision-fund.shtml

The Vision Fund is supposed to help provide the following:
seed money for new program development,
resources for retaining exceptional talent,
funds for strategic partnerships,
and important support for many big dreams in Madison's future.

That's pretty clear to me. This is supposed to be part of the kickoff, or the seed money, for Alger's vision of what he wants for JMU, to be an example for a new model for higher education, the engaged University. He talked about that a lot around the time of his installation, and I expect that in the years to come the practical aspects of how JMU is moving in that direction should be communicated to donors

Quin, I'm not sure what you have just said... I'm sure its just my southern simple mind. No need to go any further on my account.

I actually think the purpose of this fund was relatively well explained. "New Program Development", "Retaining Exceptional Talent", and "Funding for new Strategic Partnershiips" are all things I can easily understand and I think they make sense as worth fund-raising for.

I don't get the "Engaged University". I mean, I understand what those words mean, but I don't know what Alger means by them and how they're supposed to apply to JMU. I looked around and found some materials from other schools using the same slogan/models, and what they said makes sense- becoming a leader in involvement in the community, the state, and the nation, along with students, faculty, and alumni. That makes sense, but JMU hasn't communicated that very well yet.

I think the vision fund makes sense - its a donation to the university to show support for the new president and to allow him financial leverage to move the university where he wants. I just donated to it over the weekend.

Also, if you say that the university doesnt communicate anything, you just arent paying attention. Yes, the university has been tight lipped about conference realignment, but they are working vigorously to keep alumni involved and informed about where we are headed. Where we fall short is asking for/ and seeking donations.

Sorry, not drinking the kool-aid...

Saying "gives us money for new programs, obtaining the best talent, and to accomplish big dreams" is something so vague, it could apply to any university in the country. Who doesn't want to do those three things???

Having a visionless vison fund with no specifics communicates this to me: "give us the money, we'll figure out later what to do with it."

I am not a Duke Club or Alumni volunteer, I don't give enough for anyone to notice, and I don't have the inside connections that most of you have. What that makes me is average...and right now the average JMU alumn is apathetic or uninterested in JMU it seems.

Obtaining the best talent would be good enough for me. If you flat out told me "We're trying to raise money to increase faculty salaries", I'd be much more willing to donate and donate more.

(06-03-2013 06:19 PM)DolleyMadison Wrote:  Sorry, not drinking the kool-aid...

Saying "gives us money for new programs, obtaining the best talent, and to accomplish big dreams" is something so vague, it could apply to any university in the country. Who doesn't want to do those three things???

Having a visionless vison fund with no specifics communicates this to me: "give us the money, we'll figure out later what to do with it."

I am not a Duke Club or Alumni volunteer, I don't give enough for anyone to notice, and I don't have the inside connections that most of you have. What that makes me is average...and right now the average JMU alumn is apathetic or uninterested in JMU it seems.

This.

(06-03-2013 06:41 PM)JMU_Newbill Wrote:  

(06-03-2013 06:19 PM)DolleyMadison Wrote:  Sorry, not drinking the kool-aid...

Saying "gives us money for new programs, obtaining the best talent, and to accomplish big dreams" is something so vague, it could apply to any university in the country. Who doesn't want to do those three things???

Having a visionless vison fund with no specifics communicates this to me: "give us the money, we'll figure out later what to do with it."

I am not a Duke Club or Alumni volunteer, I don't give enough for anyone to notice, and I don't have the inside connections that most of you have. What that makes me is average...and right now the average JMU alumn is apathetic or uninterested in JMU it seems.

This.

Yes, this. To have any shot to appeal to the other 97% (current non donors) there has to be a clear purpose and and it needs to be simple to give.

(06-03-2013 07:08 PM)JMUETC Wrote:  

(06-03-2013 06:41 PM)JMU_Newbill Wrote:  

(06-03-2013 06:19 PM)DolleyMadison Wrote:  Sorry, not drinking the kool-aid...

Saying "gives us money for new programs, obtaining the best talent, and to accomplish big dreams" is something so vague, it could apply to any university in the country. Who doesn't want to do those three things???

Having a visionless vison fund with no specifics communicates this to me: "give us the money, we'll figure out later what to do with it."

I am not a Duke Club or Alumni volunteer, I don't give enough for anyone to notice, and I don't have the inside connections that most of you have. What that makes me is average...and right now the average JMU alumn is apathetic or uninterested in JMU it seems.

This.

Yes, this. To have any shot to appeal to the other 97% (current non donors) there has to be a clear purpose and and it needs to be simple to give.

This triple! And I am a decades long Duke Club contributor. Our 'admin' is really walking a tight rope this year with fan interest/support. Man I hope Alger realizes just how problematic Rose made things in his admin. We need new blood!!

(06-03-2013 06:19 PM)DolleyMadison Wrote:  Sorry, not drinking the kool-aid...

Saying "gives us money for new programs, obtaining the best talent, and to accomplish big dreams" is something so vague, it could apply to any university in the country. Who doesn't want to do those three things???

Having a visionless vison fund with no specifics communicates this to me: "give us the money, we'll figure out later what to do with it."

I am not a Duke Club or Alumni volunteer, I don't give enough for anyone to notice, and I don't have the inside connections that most of you have. What that makes me is average...and right now the average JMU alumn is apathetic or uninterested in JMU it seems.

unfortunately I agree with you here.
I saw all of those statements and I saw them as very generic and unspecific. WHAT programs are being made? Graduate degrees and professional degrees that will help us attain the National University status in the US News rankings? Okay, i'm convinced.
An engaged university? I would hope every university worth its weight in the country is engaged. That's not specific enough.
I like Alger so far, but we're not getting the specific answers on both the academic and athletic fronts that our alumni and donors need to know about.

(06-03-2013 08:18 PM)Potomac Wrote:  

(06-03-2013 06:19 PM)DolleyMadison Wrote:  Sorry, not drinking the kool-aid...

Saying "gives us money for new programs, obtaining the best talent, and to accomplish big dreams" is something so vague, it could apply to any university in the country. Who doesn't want to do those three things???

Having a visionless vison fund with no specifics communicates this to me: "give us the money, we'll figure out later what to do with it."

I am not a Duke Club or Alumni volunteer, I don't give enough for anyone to notice, and I don't have the inside connections that most of you have. What that makes me is average...and right now the average JMU alumn is apathetic or uninterested in JMU it seems.

unfortunately I agree with you here.
I saw all of those statements and I saw them as very generic and unspecific. WHAT programs are being made? Graduate degrees and professional degrees that will help us attain the National University status in the US News rankings? Okay, i'm convinced.
An engaged university? I would hope every university worth its weight in the country is engaged. That's not specific enough.
I like Alger so far, but we're not getting the specific answers on both the academic and athletic fronts that our alumni and donors need to know about.

"Engaged university" is so vague and laughable it tops most of the silliness I 've seen pushed , dropped, and replaced with the next fad as a teacher of 30 years. It means nothing of specific substance to any mind willing to push for specifics.