CASE in Liverpool

Last week I spent one day at the CASE Europe annual conference. The Board of Trustees invited me to Liverpool, site of the conference. CASE stands for ‘Council for Advancement and Support of Education’. It offers a platform for professionals working in alumni relations, fundraising and communication and marketing in higher education and research settings. CASE was started in the United States, but also has a thriving European office.

I was very pleasantly surprised, not only by the enormous number of participants (more than 800 conference attendees from many countries), but also by the varied programme , and especially the enthusiasm and openness shown by those present. I witnessed great willingness to share information and expertise, to learn from one another, and to reflect upon positive and negative experiences regarding gathering ‘support’ for higher education.

Moreover, I was confirmed in my belief that we still have far to go in this endeavour. We cannot dismiss this offhand as typically American and say it does not apply to our situation. In the United Kingdom, there are excellent examples of universities which have achieved much in this regard. It will require us to (continue to) invest in our business relationships, seek points of connection to our mission and position, remain persistent and utilize intellectual and human resources to garner support.
We certainly have nothing to be ashamed of in asking support from people and institutions which are favourably disposed to our cause. Educating young, talented people, and engaging in scientific research, are worthy of every effort!