Alumni with drive and influence can help a college alumni organization meet its long-term goals. Prospective donors may be willing volunteers, and regular review of the alumni notes may suggest volunteers. A diverse volunteer group can best represent diverse alumni populations. Challenging, meaningful assignments that tap expertise are the most…

An informal survey identified qualities that make a good mentor. Some traits mentioned repeatedly as being important include: unselfishness, leading by example, setting high ethical standards, being a cheerleader, being a critic, challenging people to be their best, and honesty. (MLW)

Seven personality types, and corresponding work styles, are described and ways to foster their creativity in the context of the college/university advancement office are suggested. Managers are urged to lead staff members to develop talents, allow them to do so, and help them move to the next level of achievement. (MSE)

A college chief advancement officers describes the qualities that make a president an ally in fund raising. These qualities include vision and leadership, commitment to the campus, commitment to advancement, integrity, honesty, perseverance, patience, optimism, communication skills, energy, willingness to learn, humor, creativity, understanding of…

The role of college and university public relations staff in managing relationships between researchers and the media is discussed. Ten specific researcher personality types that present a challenge for public relations professionals are described, and strategies for successful interaction are offered. (MSE)

A university president outlines basic rules for chief development officers to work effectively with the institution's leader. Desirable qualities include loyalty, honesty, shared enthusiasm, assertiveness, efficiency, ability to provide support, good program management, ability to work alone as well as with the president, good focus, and…

Interviews with five college presidents and their chief public relations officers concerning their professional relationships and approaches to program administration are summarized. Comments focus on the importance of trust, adaptability, communication, shared roles in policymaking, staying informed, and use of strategic thinking in effective…

Suggestions for better communication are offered for volunteers participating in college fund-raising phonathons. They include general guidelines for telephone communication, solutions for specific situations, notes on appropriate word choice, an exercise to regulate speech speed, information on personality types that may be encountered, and…