This compilation excerpt of mini-documentary success stories shares the results of a successful Capital Campaign. SUNY Oswego partners with POV-Rose as part of “Inspiring Horizons”—its first-ever fund-raising campaign
The Challenge
The State University of New York Oswego’s Alumni Affairs and Development Office was on a mission: raise funds by spreading the word on the University’s unique contributions to the world.
“Educating our alumni and donors continues to be at the core of our mission,” says Kerry Dorsey, Vice President, Development and Alumni Affairs at SUNY Oswego. “People think that because we’re a part of the state university system that we’re totally funded by New York State government. In fact, the University receives less than 25% of its total operating budget from the state.” Tuition and fees alone can’t fund the wide-range of critical University activities such as faculty research projects, student scholarships, as well as many capital expenditures.
The Campaign: Make ‘em go “Wow.”
In 2005, under President Deborah Stanley’s leadership, the University embarked on a first-ever five year fund-raising campaign directed by Vice-president Dorsey. The campaign was launched at the University with a kick-off event which featured a POV-Rose Media video which introduced the “Inspiring Horizons” theme.
The campaign reached it’s original $17 million goal nine months early, so an enhanced $23 million goal was established and a sixth year was added. Seeking a way to thank contributors and further advance the SUNY Oswego story, Ms. Dorsey and her team hit on an innovative, cost-effective approach: create and distribute a video program.
The goals of the program? First, have viewers go “Wow. I didn’t know that was happening at SUNY Oswego!” Second, grow an on-going “Culture of Philanthropy” for SUNY Oswego, highlighting the impact of donor gifts on students and faculty. Once again POV-Rose was engaged for the company’s depth of experience and creative storytelling.
Inspire and Inform
The result? A collection of compelling stories ranging from world-class research into use of African plants for diabetes treatment to a graduate student’s cross-cultural experience; from the construction of a new campus center to the building of a campus 9/11 memorial honoring Oswego’s alumni who died in that infamous event.
Says Dorsey, “Not only are donors thanked for their support but they become more aware of just how much SUNY Oswego contributes in real ways to our society and the world.” The program is being sent directly to donors, is visible on the University’s website and its YouTube channel.
“Working with the POV-Rose team was a great experience in collaboration, creativity and results,” says Dorsey. “The first of its kind at Oswego, the project was a real challenge for me, but they made it easy and fun as well as a professional learning experience.”
David Rose, Producer; Jeffrey Mead, Director/DP
