President's Report - Wentworth Institute of Technology

7 INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
“We have become more visible in the lives of our alumni and
friends – through e-mails, letters, phone calls, and appreciation
events such as our annual scholarship luncheon,” explained
Sheffield. “In October 2007, we hosted our first ever Donor
Appreciation Dinner – it was a wonderful opportunity to really
acknowledge our donors for their incredible generosity.”
Outreach to young alumni has grown substantially, with
three annual events in January, May, and October enabling
Wentworth graduates from 1997-2007 to re-connect with former
classmates and the Institute. Meagan McMullen, assistant
director of the annual fund, created “the Battle of the WITS,” a
friendly competition between academic programs to encourage
seniors to support the senior gift program. Through displaying
posters around campus, sending postcards and e-mail blasts,
and developing a class of 2008 profile on Facebook, a buzz was
created as the senior class attempted to win the ‘battle’ by
increasing their respective program’s participation. Overall, the
class of ’08 raised a grand total of $7,000, and the winners—
the graduating seniors from the Department of Architecture—
were honored at an event at Boston Billiards in May.
Major Gifts & Scholarships
Wentworth received a generous gift from wonderful friends of
the Institute in summer 2007, when Maria and Kosta Papoulidis
gifted a portion of their property on the corner of Ward Street
and Huntington Avenue to the Institute. Their generosity was
honored on June 25, 2008, with the naming of the “Kosta and
Maria Papoulidis Quadrangle.”
Generous philanthropist and Wentworth corporator, William
“Bill” Flanagan, Machine Construction & Tool Design ’51, made
the largest gift in the Institute’s history, a $10 million dollar
charitable gift annuity. This gift will be used for the construction
of a new campus center to be named in Mr. Flanagan’s honor.
Since over 75 percent of Wentworth students receive scholarships
or financial aid, donations are more important than ever.
Relationships between the Institute and industry were greatly
strengthened through scholarships from several companies
including Suffolk Construction Company, Gilbane Inc., and William
A. Berry & Son. In addition, Wentworth is fostering relationships
with industry leaders across industries which align to
Wentworth’s academic programs.
Public Affairs (marketing and communications;
public relations and media relations)
The marketing and communications department works closely with
the admissions office and the Division of Professional and
Continuing Studies (DPCS) on the coordination of their printed
materials and advertising initiatives. Efforts to increase Wentworth’s
visibility are being implemented through a strategic advertising
plan to ensure the most effective exposure among target audiences.
The Wentworth community is informed of the accomplishments
of alumni, faculty, students, and staff through the Wentworth
Magazine, the President’s Report, and the Institute’s homepage,
which was re-designed by the advancement operations team.
The marketing and communications department strives to
ensure a consistent brand for Wentworth across printed
and online materials and are the go-to contacts for strategic
counsel related to marketing and/or the review of written
materials.
The public relations department has been generating increased
exposure and awareness of the Institute to a broad range of
internal and external audiences and key stakeholders, promoting
the achievements of students, faculty, and staff, and advancing
the leadership position of Wentworth. A strategic public relations
plan has been implemented to effectively communicate across
multiple audiences, as well as nurture relationships with key
government officials.
Proactive media relations efforts have focused on building key
relationships with local and national media contacts across print,
online, and broadcast outlets. These efforts have resulted in
securing positive media coverage for Wentworth, and positioning
faculty, staff, and departments as expert resources for reporters.
Wentworth has been included in a variety of news mediums
including local Boston daily newspapers, television and radio
broadcasts, hometown newspapers, and industry publications.
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