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GOLD Program Success Means Staff Expansion
As the GOLD Program begins its fifth year, the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation is celebrating unparalleled giving by our youngest generation of alumni. More than 1100 young donors have committed over $2 million in the five-year period to support the educational programs and scholarships funded by the Foundation.
"We have found that our younger members are definitely interested in playing a role in the Foundation’s growth. In 2000, our youngest donor was 26-years-old. In 2005, more than 320 donors age 26 and younger made a gift. It’s proof that our young alumni care about giving back to Sigma Nu; they just need to be asked," says Brad Hastings, Executive Vice President of the Foundation.
The significant growth of the GOLD Program is the result of having two Foundation staff members committed to pursuing relationships with young alumni over the last five years. The success of the program enabled the Foundation’s recent decision to expand its staff by doubling the GOLD team for the current fiscal year. Erik Tomalis (Kappa Delta, Duquesne) has moved up to become Director of Development for Major Gifts, while Russ Hammond (Iota Delta, James Madison) began his second year with the GOLD Program this month. Russ is joined by Michael Mills (Iota Rho, College of Charleston) and Kevin Coxwell (Eta Gamma, Georgia State).
Michael Mills joined the Foundation’s GOLD staff in February 2007. He previously worked for the Fraternity in 2004, as the Southeast Educational Leadership Consultant. He then spent a few years as a financial advisor for Commonwealth Financial Group in Charleston, SC before accepting the GOLD position with the Foundation. Michael held numerous leadership positions as an undergraduate, including Lt. Commander and Commander. As an alumnus, he served as Division Commander for the Carolinas Epsilon Division and has been an advisor to his chapter at the College of Charleston since 2005.
He says his new position with the GOLD Program is very rewarding. "It’s great to get out and meet people who really care about Sigma Nu. We’ve been having such amazing success with GOLD, and with the addition of Kevin we now have more development officers dedicated to major gift work than anyone else in the fraternal world," says Michael. |
Michael Mills (College of Charleston) |
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Kevin Coxwell (Georgia State) |
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Kevin Coxwell transitioned to the Foundation staff in June 2007, from his position as Interim Director of Recruitment for Sigma Nu Fraternity. He initially joined the Fraternity’s staff in June 2005, to serve as the Southeast Educational Leadership Consultant. Originally from Georgia, Kevin attended Georgia State University where he received his B.A. in economics and a minor in speech. He also served his chapter in a variety of leadership roles including Alumni Relations, Lt. Commander and Commander.
"I’m passionate about the Fraternity," says Kevin. "And I’m a big proponent of the educational programs supported by the Foundation, especially the College of Chapters which I attended in 2003. At the time I was still learning the ropes, and I was not yet involved as an officer. While at the College of Chapters, I was inspired to step up, create change and become a leader in my chapter." |
Other than his work with the Fraternity, Kevin hasn’t traveled much, and he says it’s one of the things he’s looking forward to in the position. "I’m excited to get out there and meet face-to-face with alumni to tell them all the great things the Fraternity is doing," he says.
Having already raised more than $2 million through the GOLD Program, Hastings says that doubling the GOLD staff opens up opportunities to grow the Foundation’s revenues even more in the coming years. "It’s an exciting time for the Foundation, and we look forward to communicating even more with alumni of all ages about Sigma Nu’s excellent educational programs that have drawn so much support from our members," he says.
For more information about the GOLD Program, contact Brad Hastings, Executive Vice President, at brad.hastings@sigmanu.org. |
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