Why Fundraising Matters Now More Than Ever | A Perspective from President Jennifer N. Schuller
In today’s rapidly evolving higher education landscape, college presidents wear many hats, but perhaps none as crucial as that of fundraiser-in-chief. With state support shrinking, federal grants in flux, and the costs of providing a high-quality education on the rise, fundraising has become an essential part of leading a college, not a luxury.
Lake Erie College President Jennifer Schuller knows this firsthand. With over 25 years of experience in advancement, she’s seen the transformative power of philanthropy, not just in dollars raised, but in lives changed.
In a recently co-authored opinion piece, President Schuller draws on her successful tenure at Hiram College, where she partnered with then-President Lori Varlotta to double annual fundraising from $4–5 million to over $10 million. Their approach wasn’t transactional, it was deeply relational. It was built on genuine connections with donors, customized giving proposals that reflected shared values, and consistent, heartfelt stewardship.
The piece also highlights a key moment from California Lutheran University, where President Varlotta reimagined a major gift opportunity into what became the Steven Dorfman Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship—an example of how visionary leadership and donor trust can come together to create lasting impact.
At its core, fundraising in higher education isn’t just about raising money, it’s about building community, aligning with mission, and stewarding long-term engagement. President Schuller believes this deeply: fundraising is a relationship. And when done right, it fuels opportunity, transformation, and hope.
Read the full article here: University Presidents Need to Be Strong Fundraisers