Winning Duo

DARO’s award was in recognition of its outstanding fundraising performance. The team has come a long way in a short time, having been built almost entirely from scratch since 2005, and 2008/9 was its ‘breakthrough year’. Fundraising income rose by 228% on the previous year to £8.57m. The team was also extremely efficient: the cost per £1 raised was among the lowest in the sector at 8.6p.

The Marketing and Communication Services award was for communicating the economic benefits of higher education during a time of national economic downturn. The team was successful in highlighting the University’s £400m contribution to the economy in the South West region. These helped to make the case for a strategically important expansion of the University.

Susie Hills, Director of Development & Alumni Relations, said: ‘Fundraising is a true team sport which tests the strengths of your institution.  The fundraising team at Exeter extends beyond the development team.  We wouldn't have won this without the time and support of the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Council and our Campaign Board.  Most of all we wouldn't have won this without our fantastic donors.’

Stuart Franklin, Director of Communications, said: ‘The team has had a hugely busy and successful year and this is a reward for all that hard work. We are very fortunate to work at such a dynamic university and to have such a great story to tell.’

The University of Exeter recently launched its campaign: Creating a world-class University together at a series of events in the UK and overseas. The campaign aims to raise £23 million, to secure more than 250 legacy pledges and to recruit 2010 hours of volunteers’ time for Exeter by 2012. Against these targets the team has currently secured £15m, 176 pledges and 1,221 hours of volunteering. See the campaign website: www.exeter.ac.uk/campaign to find out how you can support the University.