Workshop: Student Philanthropy
Overview
Welcome to AGN’s Student Philanthropy workshop! This virtual event will take place online using Zoom and will begin on Thursday, October 13th at 11AM EST. You will be able to access each general session 5 minutes prior to its start time. To join the event, review the information and zoom links on the "Join Sessions" tab.
Institutions that teach students about the impact of philanthropy and engage them in giving before they graduate tend to raise more money and have higher alumni participation rates. Starting from the moment first-year students step on campus and leading up to their commencement ceremony, student philanthropy programs are central to building a culture of philanthropy and ensuring continued and lifelong alumni support after graduation.
Participants will have an opportunity to:
- Expand their network and meet new colleagues
- See and hear what others are doing, trying, and learning at their institutions
- Share their examples and experiences
- Obtain workshop handouts and other materials
- Earn CFRE credit
- And more!
If you need technical or customer support at any time prior to or during the event, please contact our dedicated support representative at 888.407.5064 or [email protected].
Join Sessions
To participate in a live session, please click below on the title of the session you wish to join. When a separate window opens in Zoom, please enter the password listed under the session title. Event audio is available via streaming (through your computer speakers) or you may listen over the phone by calling 929.205.6099 and entering Meeting ID 852 0877 6991. If you have any issues with the audio through your computer, we strongly advise you to dial in using the phone number.
Welcome/Overview of the Day
(Password: STUD2022)
11:00-11:15 AM Eastern Time
Review the day's agenda and find out how to get the most out of AGN’s resources.
Expanding Your Network
(Password: STUD2022)
11:15-11:30AM Eastern Time
Break into small groups and get to know peers from other institutions.
Identifying Issues
(Password: STUD2022)
11:30AM-12:30PM Eastern Time
Use a self-assessment tool to determine the strengths and weaknesses of your program, and find out the challenges your colleagues at other schools are facing.
Break
12:30-1:00PM Eastern Time
Show & Telling
(Password: STUD2022)
1:00-2:15PM Eastern Time
Take turns sharing and analyzing ideas and examples from a variety of institutions. Give and get feedback and discover ways you can optimize your current efforts.
Break
2:15-2:45PM Eastern Time
Raising the Bar
(Password: STUD2022)
2:45-3:45PM Eastern Time
Reflect on lessons learned, and begin to develop an action plan that will elevate the productivity of your program.
Bringing It Together/Wrap-up
(Password: STUD2022)
3:45-4:00PM Eastern Time
Summarize key findings from the day and plan out where to go next.
For more information, please contact us at 888.407.5064 or [email protected]
Faculty
Mae Parker
Mae has more than 15 years of experience in annual giving and educational fundraising. She currently serves as Director of Annual Giving at Grinnell College and has previously led various programs at Earlham College. Mae holds a B.A. in Business and Nonprofit Management from Earlham College and an M.A. in Executive Development for Public Service from Ball State University. She also received a Certificate in Fundraising Management from The Fund Raising School at Indiana University.
Melinda Phillips
Melinda has over 15 years of experience in annual giving and educational fundraising. She most recently served as Assistant Vice Chancellor of Annual Giving at Vanderbilt University and previously led programs at its Owen Graduate School of Management. Her other experience includes work with the Annual Giving Directors Consortium and the Rhodes College Alumni Board. She holds a B.A. from Rhodes College and an M.T.S. from Harvard Divinity School.
Meredith Johnston
Meredith has over 20 years of experience in annual giving and educational fundraising. She currently serves as Vice President of Philanthropy at Scripps Research, and has previously led programs at UC Riverside, UC San Diego, and Oklahoma State University. Her other experience includes leading teams through change, developing and leading comprehensive campaigns, and building strong teams while nurturing talent. She holds a B.A. in Literature from the University of North Texas.
Dan Allenby | Principal & Founder at Annual Giving Network

Dan is an author, speaker, and consultant who has worked with educational institutions for more than 25 years to improve their fundraising results. An internationally recognized expert on annual giving, he is a CASE Laureate and recipient of the prestigious Crystal Apple Award for Teaching Excellence. His book Ideas for Annual Giving offers designs for helping organizations increase their levels of sustainable philanthropic support.
Dan has led annual giving and membership programs at Boston University, Tufts University, Georgetown University, and the National Geographic Society. He also served on the faculty for CASE’s Summer Institute in Educational Fundraising and chaired its Senior Annual Giving Professionals Conference and Annual Giving Workshop for five collective terms. He holds a B.A. in History from James Madison University and a M.B.A. from Boston College. Outside of work, Dan enjoys spending time with his family, writing songs, and getting away to the beaches of Cape Cod. His philosophy is that success comes from focusing on what’s right in front of you.
Event Materials
Please click on the links below to access the workshop materials and additional training tools.
General Materials
- Sample Submission Form
- Samples
- Worksheet
- Self Assessment
- Participant List
- Chat Log
- CFRE Credit Tracker Sheet
For more information, please contact us at 888.407.5064 or [email protected]