Meet some of the people who make CCAE run.
Eleven years ago, Susan Rankin attended the CCAE-O Summer Institute for newcomers to the field of advancement. She was so impressed with the organization of the Institute and found what she learned to be so valuable that she asked her supervisor how she could get involved. CCAE’s stars were appropriately aligned. Susan’s supervisor was none other than Mary Williams, long-time CCAE volunteer … and, to quote Susan, “it’s been non-stop ever since.”
As Director, Stewardship and Donor Relations, at McMaster University in Hamilton, Susan understands the need to engage her stakeholders. And over the years she has brought this understanding to her many CCAE roles, both at the national and regional levels. She served on the CCAE national volunteer management committee as well as presented and/or moderated at numerous CCAE conferences and workshops. She did a two-year stint as a committee member for the Summer Institute and served as co-chair for a year. Susan recently co-chaired the very successful CCAE-O Fall Workshop; was involved in the CCAE-O member services committee; and currently serves on the CCAE-O Board.
“It’s been tremendously rewarding from both a personal and a professional level,” says Susan. “I’ve learned so much from my colleagues across the country and have become close friends with many. The CCAE community is very collegial, and anytime I’ve needed advice or assistance, a phone call is all that is needed.” Susan adds that getting involved is also the best thing one can do for their career – “the network opportunities are tremendous!”
But from a more global outlook, Susan sees her involvement with CCAE as a commitment to the advancement profession. Her goal is to raise the advancement profile – and all that it accomplishes for education – at both the public and government levels. Susan also considers her volunteer work with CCAE as a commitment to her institution. She feels that McMaster not only endorses her involvement but also encourages her. Talk about commitment to the advancement profession!
One would tend to think that Brian Breckles loves to live on the edge.
When his 2005 CCAE-O fall workshop plenary speaker was MIA, Brian went into what we call a “controlled moment of frenzy” – he tried the speaker’s office, cell phone and Blackberry. When none of these proved fruitful, Brian changed drives and quickly got creative, coming up with ideas on how to buy time. Thankfully, two minutes before he was due to speak, the Honourable Bob Rae finally walked in and delivered the plenary.
Then there was the time Brian took on the challenging task of chairing the exhibitors and sponsors section of the 1998 national conference, and this in his first year working in the advancement field! In between those years he presented and/or moderated sessions at several CCAE conferences and is currently co-chair of the CCAE TD Meloche-Monnex Fellowships in Advancement. Created in 1998, these fellowships allow recipients to gain practical experience in major areas of advancement: alumni relations; development; communications; and student recruitment. Brian’s job as co-chair is not an easy one. But it is definitely gratifying.
Why does he do it? Simple. Brian feels that “one of the best ways of learning is by sharing and giving back. And I’ve been fortunate to meet great people that share their successes and are willing to assist me with problems when needed.”
Does his volunteerism stop there? Heck, no. This dynamic Director of Alumni Relations at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo also finds time to be assistant Offensive Line Coach for his alma mater’s football team. Back in his heyday as a Golden Hawker, Brian was an All-Canadian and CFL draft choice. In 2004, he received the Earle C. Shelley Unsung Hero Award, given to a person within the Laurier community who “unselfishly gives much time and effort into the overall success of the athletics program.”
One could say that Brian’s mantra is Anima sana in corpore sano…and that makes for a healthy, well-rounded, tireless, dedicated volunteer!
A jack of all trades and master of all! That pretty much sums up Ray Satterthwaite. Currently Associate Vice-Principal, Advancement, at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ray has worked in the Advancement field for 17 years – the first 10 at McGill University in Montreal. But his professional involvement doesn’t stop there. Ray is also Vice-President, Finance and Administration, for CCAE and has been involved with the organization for years, in various roles: sponsor and exhibitor chair as well as treasurer for the National Conference; coordinator of the Prix d’Excellence awards; session track chair; Board treasurer; professional development speaker. He enjoyed some of these roles so much he did repeat performances on most.
But what would make such a busy professional, dedicated dad, still-life artist and avid hockey player find time to volunteer for CCAE? “It looked like fun from the outside and because people whom I admired and respected were involved,” Ray says. When asked what he’s gained from his involvement with CCAE, he has no hesitation in admitting he’s “met the greatest people. Fun, generous of their time and information, they help you in any way they can.” He adds, “They are people who care about their profession and want to improve it by helping and sharing with others.”
Of course, there is many-a-late night of singing, dancing, debating, eating and just laughing… and not always in that order. “But overall,” Ray sums up, “I can truly say that what I have gained are friends. So what are you waiting for? This is not a spectator sport. Get involved and you’ll be glad you did