Tehan named developmental officer
The University of Indianapolis Department of University Advancement recently hired Patti Tehan, a new development officer and gift planner.
The Department of University Advancement raises funds for UIndy by coordinating with alumni relations and communication facilities to convey the university’s needs.
The funds the department acquires go where the donor designates, whether to a specific major program, lecture or performance series, the general fund or others.
The development officer reaches out to community partners and donors to acquire funds for UIndy programs and operating expenses, according to Tehan.
“Patti is like the relationship liaison to donors,” said Director of Development Andrew Kocher. “She isn’t at her desk a lot. She goes out and sits on a lot of couches [asking for funds] and does a lot of traveling.”
A large part of Tehan’s job is helping donors decide how they want to give. Many donors know that they want to help out, but they need direction on how they can help. Tehan shows them options such as donating by handing over a check or by adding a bequest to their will.
A bequest designates a portion of the deceased’s assets to a specific beneficiary. “It’s really a blessing to unite people with what they really want to give, what would really be meaningful for them [the donor],” Tehan said.
Tehan has worked in fundraising for 15 years. She worked with the Riley Children’s Foundation for seven years and with Big Brothers Big Sisters for nine years. Tehan has been at her current position for 13 weeks.
“We were thrilled to attract someone with Patti’s breadth of experience,” Kocher said. “We knew right away that Patti would be perfect for the position. She has the right personality.”
Although Tehan has been in fundraising, she has never been involved with higher education fundraising.
Tehan was encouraged by a UIndy graduate to apply for the development officer position.
A long-time resident of Indianapolis, Tehan saw UIndy’s commitment to charitable outreach and was impressed the institution’s efforts.
“I wanted a place with an important mission and a positive work culture,” she said.
Tehan said her job gives her the privilege of getting to know alumni and donors. In her short time on the job, she has heard many interesting stories from alumni and donors.
“It’s really fun to hear their stories of fun times they had on campus,” Tehan said. “Some donors can remember when Good Hall was the only building on campus.”
These donors have many options for donating to UIndy. Some of the programs include the “Give a Minute Campaign,” the “Young Alumni Campaign” and the “Sponsored Scholars Program.” Donors can create an endowed fund, donating to a specific major department, funding a lecture or performance series, give to the Alumni Association, or to WICR (the UIndy radio station) and more, according to the department website.
A total of 3,704 donors have given to UIndy during the 2011 fiscal year. Those donations provide many things for UIndy; they fund programs, as well as the cost to run the university.
Without the outreach of donors it would be much more difficult keeping UIndy running.
The university requires $147 a minute, or $77.3 million in a year, for operating expenses.
“Students don’t realize how much other people invest in their education,” Tehan said. “Students should consider giving back to the institution [as alumni]. No gift is too small.”
