Advancement News & Notes

 

YOU ARE THE DIFFERENCE 

Throughout this issue, you have learned more about the Carlson School’s vision for the future, a bold and unique approach to business education that is unrivaled among the world’s elite business schools. Undoubtedly, philanthropy will be the critical ingredient for achieving the full scope of this vision. It is important to note, however, that the campaign’s ultimate success will rest on the power of many, not the generosity of a few.

Over the next four years, we ask that you consider what your role will be in helping us fulfill our promise. Whether it’s volunteering on a board, mentoring students, joining a national alumni chapter, and, of course, making a gift, there is no shortage of opportunities to make a difference. We are excited to embark on this journey with you.

Travis M. Smith
Assistant Dean Institutional Advancement

New Alumni Board Leaders

The Carlson School named four new presidents to its Alumni Boards this spring. Brian Milovich, ’00 BSB, is the president of the Alumni Board. Manoj Narayanan, ’13 BSB, leads the Gophers of the Last Decade (GOLD) Alumni Board. The MBA Alumni Board is led by Svetlana Sandberg, ’15 MBA. Justin Ahlstrom, ’06 MA-HRIR, leads the CHRLS Alumni Board.

Volunteer Thank You

Over 1,350 Carlson School alumni and friends made an impact on our school by volunteering over 9,000 hours of their time and talents to mentor a student, serve on a board, or speak in a classroom.Thank you for your commitment to the future of our students and programs.

Leadership Gift for Undergraduate Campaign

The Undergraduate Class Gift Campaign, which raised over $10,000 to support Carlson School initiatives focusing on diversity and inclusion, received a leadership contribution from an outgoing student and entrepreneur. Musab Khalif, ’17 BSB, and his organization, Lighting the Way, made a gift of $2,500 to the campaign. Musab, one of the co-founders of Lighting the Way, is dedicated to providing education to underprivileged areas and to strengthening outreach to diverse students both locally and around the world.

Carlson School Endowment Earnings Surpass State Support

Private financial support is vital to the Carlson School’s success moving forward. In the 2016 fiscal year, earnings from the school’s endowment exceeded state funding for the first time. In an era of declining state support, gifts from alumni and friends must drive the Carlson School forward.

Carlson School Has Third Best Fundraising Year Ever

The results are in and the Carlson School finished fiscal year 2017 (July 1, 2016–June 30, 2017) having raised more than $21 million, the third highest annual fundraising total in the school’s history. Highlights include over $6.5 million from the school’s corporate partners and seven gifts overall of $1 million or more to support key campaign initiatives for students, faculty, and programming.

The Carlson School celebrated Investors Circle members at an annual special event. At the inaugural Investors Circle reception on June 2, benefactors gathered at Orchestra Hall to mingle and attend the Minnesota Orchestra’s performance. Dean Sri Zaheer and Minnesota Orchestra Board Chair Marilyn Carlson Nelson provided remarks to welcome and thank guests for their continued support of the Carlson School.

New Driven Campaign Website

Check out our newly launched Driven campaign website for the latest campaign progress and impact stories: driven.carlsonschool.umn.edu.