Our award will be received at the November 28 luncheon at the Hilton Norfolk The Main honoring philanthropy in Hampton Roads (see attachment). According to AFP's nomination guidelines, "this award honors a nonprofit organization with a strong development/fundraising program...successful and creative campaigns... a strong infrastructure and commitment to best practices and ethics in philanthropy."
Although this is tremendous recognition for our Center for Advancement, the fundraising and alumni- and parent-relations division of VWU, we owe tremendous gratitude to those who make our success possible: our Board of Trustees, alumni and friends, corporations and foundations, faculty, staff, and students, parents and families, and other contributors. Their financial support to The Excellence Fund, endowed scholarships, capital projects, academic innovation, and many other programs and purposes at VWU enriches our mission of teaching, scholarship and service. We thank all of our donors for their consistent and heartfelt investment of trust and personal resources.
It's also important to recognize that the achievements of our faculty and students inspire giving. Their success in our classrooms and labs, the library, on the playing courts and fields, and in the communities we serve warrants our donors' engagement with our University and the financial support that follows.
We also extend our congratulations to honorees in other categories: Richard and Leah Waitzer, Outstanding Philanthropists; The Dragas Companies, Outstanding Corporation; Hampton Roads Community Foundation, Outstanding Foundation; Serena Amerson, Outstanding Fundraising Professional; Wendy Drucker, Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser; and The Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Outstanding Community Organization. VWU's own Tiffany Williams, Director of Stewardship and Special Gifts in the Center for Advancement, serves as president of Junior League, and we commend her efforts both here on campus and in the community.
