The UTD Mercury

Media Credit: Albert Ramirez Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Aaron Conley describes his fundraising goals for the university Nov. 24 in the McDermott Library.

Aaron Conley was appointed vice-president for development and alumni relations on Oct. 13, but it took him more than a month to make the move from Pittsburgh.

That required a 3-day, 1,200 mile cross-country drive with his wife and two cats.

"I am very, very glad to finally be here in Dallas," Conley said.

Conley, who will coordinate fundraising as head of the Office of Development, introduced himself to his staff and the academic deans during a Nov. 24 presentation and reception. He spoke about his fundraising philosophy and his broad vision for development.

He said UTD needs to do more to keep alumni connected with the university. To stress the change in focus, Conley will change the name of the department to the Office of Development and Alumni Relations.

Erin Dougherty, director for alumni relations and annual giving, said she welcomes the increased attention being paid to current and future graduates.

"I think he's going to do very, very good things for our university," Dougherty said, "specifically for those who are current students and for all of us alumni. I think it's great that he wants to give us a more prominent role."

Conley said UTD can't just "hit up" people whenever there is a fundraising campaign, but must foster a relationship with alumni and potential donors.

"I am not an aggressive fundraiser, and I do not want people to think of us as aggressive," he said. "I've worked at institutions where you were supposed to be aggressive, and it just doesn't work."

Conley will take over from Laura Beall, who served as interim vice president since the post became vacant in January. During her time at the helm, Beall hired six new officers for the Office of Development.

"It was 10 months of tremendous challenge and excitement," Beall said. "It was a time when we were able to bring a number of really outstanding professional fundraisers to the university, and I was very pleased to pass on the baton."

Conley said planning for a new public fundraising campaign will begin in the spring, but won't be publicly announced for another 2-3 years.

As executive director for development and alumni relations at the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, Conley took part in a capital campaign with an ultimate goal of $2 billion.

The goal for UTD will be more modest and will be determined during the planning process, Conley said.

"We're not setting any dollar goal right now," he said. "I don't want to even guess what it might be. I'm too new here to really say."

Barbara Seale, director for endowment services, said she is looking forward to a new direction.

"I'm really excited," Seale said. "I like everything he said today. I just think he's got the right plans and the right philosophy."

Conley said he is enthusiastic to be working at UTD.

"In almost 15 years working for many different universities, I've never been as excited to be some place as I am now," he said. "The potential for growth that's here is unlike any other institution I know."

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