From the Desk of the President
President Thomas E. Dillon
(Spring 2002 Newsletter)
[Index
of Past Articles by President Dillon]
Earlier this spring, I was honored to be invited by George
W. Bush to the White House for a reception for Irish American
Leaders. The room was filled not only with Irish American
members of Congress and other leaders, but also with Irish
government officials and ambassadors.
In his address to the assembly, the President quoted an Irish
proverb that has stayed with me: "You'll never plough
a field by turning it over in your mind."
Last fall, I had been turning over in my mind whether to
launch the public phase of our Comprehensive Campaign. I had
the usual concerns that attend the start of any campaign:
Is this the right time? Is the goal realistic?
But as the Irish proverb notes, there comes a time when the
thinking must stop and the action must begin, and I am now
grateful that we picked up the plough, as it were, and started
to till. If early indicators are reliable, we have much to
look forward to. Having ventured 18 months into this Campaign,
I see ten positive signs that give us hope for success.
1. A Strong Lead Gift. The $10 million gift from The
Dan Murphy Foundation, announced by foundation president Sir
Daniel Donohue at our 30th Anniversary gala dinner last fall,
is a magnificent base for a successful Campaign. This gift
alone amounted to more than 10% of our goal. And the extent
to which this gift will help us rally support from other friends
and benefactors is inestimable. Altogether, this marked a
stunning opening.
2. Full Board Involvement. Our 30-member Board of
Governors is comprised of extraordinary men and women who
are singularly unified in their commitment to this Campaign.
Indeed, members of our Board account collectively for more
than 17% of Campaign gifts and pledges so far - yet another
good sign.
3. Success of Our Initial Appeal. Last December, I
sent a personal appeal to more than 11,000 of our friends.
The response was overwhelming and unlike anything we had ever
experienced - more than one-half million dollars contributed.
Truly, we are humbled by the generosity of so many, so early
in our Campaign.
4. New Dormitory Completed. In opening our new men's
residence hall, Sts. Peter & Paul, we are now, for the
first time in the school's 30-year history, poised to reach
optimum size - recently revised to roughly 375 students -
in just four years. Such a prospect generates excitement in
our Campaign all the more.
5. New Chapel Plans. Similarly, the prospect of constructing
the most beautiful and important building on our campus -
our new chapel - is also of intangible value. Our design architect,
Duncan Stroik of the renowned school of classical architecture
at the University of Notre Dame, is preparing drawings of
the chapel, which I will share with you soon. When you see
them, you too will see why we should be optimistic about this
Campaign.
6. Planned Giving Options Pursued. Thanks to the abundant
opportunities available through modern tax laws, many people
have inquired about our planned giving options. Planned gifts
will be a significant factor in our success.
7. Encouragement From Foundation Representatives.
Over the past several months, I have been greatly encouraged
by the remarks of several leading foundation representatives
who have suggested that the College apply for funding. These
invitations are an excellent sign.
8. Strong Interest From Alumni and Students. Our alumni
giving percentages are already among the highest in the nation.
With their energetic response to our Campaign, I expect rates
to soar even higher. Alumni comments and gifts are greatly
encouraging.
9. Prayerful Support From Many. The most valuable
contributors to our Campaign are those who earnestly pray
for us. The response of so many priests, religious, and others
has been edifying. While many have little treasure in this
world to contribute, they are, instead, offering prayers for
our success. How abundantly blessed we are with friends like
these.
10. Vibrant Faith In God. We are nowhere if we do
not praise and thank God from Whom all blessings flow. Of
ourselves, we are nothing. But with God, all things are possible.
Since we have put this campaign in His hands, we have every
confidence that He will bless it with success.
So, yes, it was good to begin ploughing the field. And lest
we relax, I am reminded of another Irish proverb: "God
gives every bird its food, but He does not throw it into its
nest."
-- Qtrly Newsletter, Spring 2002
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