- as shared by Nick Ladell
What was your role in the 2011 class gift project?
Kristy Buteyn and I shared the responsibility for leading this project. We held numerous meetings with Pam French, director of alumni relations, Linda Halsey, senior director of development, and Karleen Kleeman, development specialist. These meetings helped develop, initiate and execute our fundraising plan. At these meetings, we set two high goals: to have greater than $10,000 raised, and greater than 50 percent class participation at the end of the school year. We were able to reach the first goal—and we are proud to say our hard work got our class year, 2010, on the special plaque that hangs at the entry of our school. It commemorates the hard work of the graduating classes that gave back to future students. The minimal amount for any entity to open a fund is $10,000. We are proud to say our hard work got our class year of 2011 on that plaque. This plaque now hangs at the entry of our school commemorating that hard work of the class that gave back to future students.
When/How did you get involved with the 2011 class gift project?
Since our classmates were spread across the state doing clinical rotations, we had to rely on email and one-to-one interactions to get the word out on this project. We sent occasional emails encouraging our classmates to consider this opportunity. We also informed them of the project at our weekly seminars held at a centralized location of each of the five regions in the state. We encouraged participants to encourage other classmates who had not pledged or given.
How much money did the class raise?
The latest number from my records, April 25, 2011, was $17,600 raised with 27 percent class participation. We were able to develop a matching agreement with Dean Roberts. She personally supported our project with $100 for every 1% in class participation. This matching agreement helped motivate our classmates to participate.
What types of events, fundraisers did you hold?
We had one kickoff event to initiate our project. The event was held in the middle of December when all of our classmates would be in Madison for a mandatory counseling exam. It was supported by Dean Roberts and the Pharmacy Alumni Association. At the time of the kickoff we had already raised $7,000.
What's the significance of this class gift?
This class gift tradition embodies the strong philanthropic values our class and generation holds. Before our careers started we wondered how we could give back to an institution that gave us so much. We know that the best way for our school to succeed and excel is through strong, caring and motivated students. We hope our contribution to these future students will allow them financial freedom to pursue opportunities in the school, from student organizations to volunteer programs, to unpaid research opportunities.
What's the message you'd like to tell upcoming classes?
My message to the upcoming classes and future students is to make the most of their pharmacy student experience. Study and work hard, but volunteer and play even harder. You have to become a great person before you become a great pharmacist, so be sure to work on all aspects of life before you graduate.
Biggest surprise?
How many people in our class participated. Twenty-seven percent may look like a small number, but this is twice the size of the previous year's class participation. I am impressed at how much my classmates cared.
Were you the beneficiary of scholarship funds while a School of Pharmacy student?
I received two scholarships at the School of Pharmacy:
- D. Jack Myers Scholarship Sept. 2009
- Pharmacy Alumni Association Scholarship Sept. 2010
My co-leader on this project, Buteyn, was the recipient of the Melvin and Patricia Weinswig scholarship as a first year student.
Nick Ladell and Kristy Buteyn are 2011 graduates of the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program.
