I want to thank everyone involved in last week's Foundation Retreat - both those from DRI's faculty and staff who made it happen in addition to our trustees who took the time to learn about our mission in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
First of all, I want to thank Jim Thomas, our Director for the Center of Watersheds and Environmental Sustainability who was critical in plotting out the tour-bus route, arranging for appropriate and engaging speakers in addition to filling in along the way with necessary commentary. Kelly Redmond, Ken Adams and Rick Susfalk did a wonderful job presenting their research on climate change, the history of the basin and provided an excellent overview of DRI's research. Rick, Brian Fitzgerald and Nicholas Lumbreras even set up a boat in the parking lot for the Trustees to tour.
As for Friday's trustee meeting, Cleve McDaniel and Kathy Badgett provided us with help in putting together our financial agendas. It was a tremendous benefit to have the division chairs and Vice President of Academic Affairs at the meeting: Roger Jacobson, Mike Auerbach, Kent Hoekman, and John Warwick. There were many times throughout the day that Trustees had specific questions about research activities. It was a nice touch to be able to listen to answers directly from the researchers. Peter Ross did a wonderful job touring the Trustees through the new Maxey expansion and Chris Maples provided a much anticipated and requested presentation about the Desert Research Corporation.
I walked away from Friday's lively discussion feeling that we were all successful from the perspectives of both the institute and the foundation in refocusing our science activities for fundraising opportunities.
Here are some significant outcomes of our Foundations meeting, including new donations and pledges:
- Recognition of leadership provided by the Nazir and Mary Ansari Medal of Excellence in Science, $10,000 (Nazir is a Trustee)
- Recognition of Nazir and Mary Ansari Chair in Entrepreneurialism and Science, $75,000
- Ken and Dee Ladd pledge of $10,000 (Ken is a Trustee and the Foundation Chair)
- Marlene Wheeler, "Hawk Sponsor" pledge of $15,000 for the golf tournament sponsorship (Marlene is a Trustee)
Three significant committee structure changes allow for the Foundation to focus on large donations:
- Executive Committee meets monthly to increase and maintain momentum
- Science Advisory, Public Relations/Marketing, Education Outreach, and Legislative Committees move out of Foundation and over to DRI
- Several Task Force groups were formed to work on specific items which will help define and strengthen the role of the DRI Foundation, its Trustees, and its donor base.
Thursday night's Trustee dinner was highlighted by Judy Chow's presentation of her work in China and even agreed to come in on her vacation to do it. Judy is the first recipient of the Nazir and Mary Ansari Entrepreneurialism and Science Chair. In addition to the trustees, we were also joined by Regent Stavros Anthony.
Mary Woods, our new development director, struck a chord with me when she told the cabinet meeting Monday that the retreat demonstrated how team orientated DRI is as an organization. She was amazed to see how easily and willingly people came together to help make the two-day event a great success.
At the risk of forgetting someone, I want to join Mary in thanking everyone who contributed to a successful two days. I told our trustees at the end of our field trip that we may have worked in more science per mile than ever before and that is the result of the preparation that went into our meeting.
Two others I want to recognize for their tireless efforts are Dawn Coots, who enthusiastically managed the logistics and the details and Kate Kirkpatrick who volunteered to take notes and prepare the Minutes. I truly appreciate the hard work of everyone at DRI and appreciate the dedication of our trustees.
