If AU's fundraising campaign reaches its goal, the School of International Service will have a completely new building, the McKinley building will be renovated for the School of Communication and the Experimental Theatre will become an extension of the Kogod School of Business. However, according to the Office of Development and the three deans most involved with the effort, the campaign is also about contacting alumni.
Al Checcio, vice president of development, said, "Our office just isn't about raising money ... but getting alumni back involved."
Schools have implemented various programs and events to utilize alumni contacts.
"The first step to the capital campaign is to reach out to alumni, involve them and engage them in the life of the University," SOC Dean Larry Kirkman said.
For the past two years SOC has hosted a wide range of events to get alumni involved, ranging from happy hour events to major programs across the country. On Wednesday SOC will host a panel discussion for alumni at the Discovery World Headquarters in Silver Spring, Md.
"Most alumni had not been contacted at all by SOC [before]," said SOC's Director of Development Anne Menotti. Through mentorship programs, an alumni advisory council and social events, SOC plans to change that.
SIS has already chosen an architect, William McDonouga, for its new building, according to SIS Dean Nanette Levinson.
"What's tremendously exciting is [he] is known for buildings that are environmentally friendly," Levinson said.
Kogod is now doing a design study and SOC has received a gift to begin their architectural planning. However, none of the deans could speculate about when construction would begin.
David Carrera, from the Office of Development, explained, "The projects are driven by the donors who fund them"
