We’re pleased to introduce “Mission Moments with Kelly,” a new bi-monthly column from Kelly Taranto, Vice President for Institutional Advancement. Through the lens of Kelly’s perspective, this series will provide a closer look at the meaningful work taking place across Barton’s campus, showcasing the initiatives and people that are advancing our mission and shaping the future of our community.
This summer has been a whirlwind of good. The Institutional Advancement office at Barton College has been busy working on a number of big projects this summer, plus lots of donor and alumni meetings – not typical for a development shop this season of the year. Summer is typically a time for catch up, clean up, and planning, as well as rest from closing out the fiscal year, before the new academic year starts up again. I am so grateful for my team for hanging in there all summer with me, because it was worth it.
So let’s do a rundown of all the wonderful things that happened this summer.
First, let’s celebrate the IA Team! This spring we welcomed two new team members, and we spent the summer onboarding them and getting them settled in as new Bulldogs. Donna Gray and Dante Pittman are great additions, and both are helping raise major gifts for various special projects, including our new School of Health Sciences. Donna and Dante fit right in with the others, making us the Dream Team, and I celebrate them in this season of growth and building.
Speaking of growth, we had a tremendous year in fundraising – all thanks to you, our alumni, and friends, that love Barton as much as we do. We closed out the second-best fundraising year in the College’s history, raising $8.6M. I’m so proud of the fundraising momentum that we have been building for the past two years, and I look forward to seeing this work continue to grow.
Finally, a project I’m very excited about was finally launched in July after a year-long effort. We have an entire website dedicated entirely for our alumni! Alumni.barton.edu is your one-stop shop for event information, scheduling a tour of campus, reconnect with your classmates, volunteer or get involved, and much more. Be sure to check it out, and join in the fun.
As I write more of these columns, I will dive into various topics. I’m excited you’re here, looking forward to connecting with you, and thankful for all that you do to advance Barton College. I look forward to this upcoming academic year, and for Building for Better with you.
In partnership,
Kelly