Skip to main content

Beyond the building: Transformational strategies to elevating fundraising and friendraising

John Roberson
John Roberson
CEO, Chief Cheerleader
 
Toby Marlatt
Toby Marlatt
Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Communications
 

In today's climate of shifting budgets, evolving student values, and enrollment pressures, higher education institutions need more than just new buildings -- they need clear, resonant stories that inspire action. This session profiles the transformation of The University of Wyoming Foundation’s Gateway Center through fundraising and friendraising – aligning the space vision with stakeholder values and equipping the university with tools to drive long-term impact. Presenters explore how forward-looking storytelling, design thinking, and strategic alignment are actively positioning a decade-old facility for a more resilient and connected future. They illustrate the use of versatile technology, tailored donor engagement, and integrated messaging to differentiate institutions and deepen stakeholder relationships in a crowded and uncertain higher ed landscape.