Queen’s is setting their sights on a $1 billion fundraising target in the thick of transitioning leadership in the Office of Advancement.
The University has fundraised $139 million against a target of $72 million this year, the largest amount garnered since 2015-16, revealed the Vice-Principal (Advancement) report to the Board of Trustees on May 10.
This success was announced as the University prepares for Karen Bertrand, outgoing Vice-Principal (advancement), to depart from her role on June 14. She will be assuming the position of Vice-President (Advancement) at Western University.
Queen’s set a fundraising target of $100 million for the 2024-25 year and is on track to raise $1 billion by 2029-30, but hasn’t doubled down on the significant goal, Bertrand said in an interview with The Journal.
Bertrand its her departure may impact advancement’s $1 billion “campaign planning.” However, she has faith the “incredibly skilled, professional, and humane individuals in the Office of Advancement,” will help the University achieve its fundraising goals.
“I do understand that the transition of a vice-principal is a milestone in an institution’s timeline,” Bertrand said. “The people who will remain on campus will continue to move forward the program that we have built together.”
READ MORE: The people behind the $100 million donation
While Bertrand doesn’t know who her successor will be, she’s ive of the University’s “transition plan.” Bertrand couldn’t reveal details of the plan ahead of Principal Patrick Deane’s office, but she’s confident her team rests in good hands.
To her successor, Bertrand encourages maintaining frequent communication with donors, whether they’re gifting $50,000 or $5 million. It’s important the Vice-Principal (Advancement) updates donors about Queen’s financial realities as the University projects a $35.7 million operating budget deficit, Bertrand explained.
“You can’t do this job from your desk and not talk with people [face-to-face],” Bertrand said.
Communication with Stephan Smith, Sci ’72, who donated $100 million to reimagine Smith Engineering, was a highlight of her tenure at the University. She recalls screaming when she learned Smith was moving forward with the historic donation.
READ MORE: Smith Engineering is transforming engineering education at Queen’s
Bertrand is looking forward to revealing more information about a donation to the Queen’s Cancer Research Institute (QCRI) on June 10, four days shy of her departure.
READ MORE: University to rename Queen’s Cancer Research Centre following large donation
She its it’ll be tough to walk away from Queen’s, which has served as both her employer and alma mater. Queen’s will always hold a special place in Bertrand’s heart.
“I will continue to cheer for Queen’s, though my Tricolor may be beneath my Mustang Purple,” Bertrand said.
Principal Deane will soon announce an interim arrangement, the Queen’s Gazette reports.
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