{"id":664302,"date":"2025-08-28T10:55:37","date_gmt":"2025-08-28T14:55:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/newscenter\/?p=664302"},"modified":"2025-12-04T09:23:26","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T14:23:26","slug":"leadership-conversation-thomas-farrell-664302","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/newscenter\/leadership-conversation-thomas-farrell-664302\/","title":{"rendered":"Leadership Conversation with Thomas Farrell \u201988, \u201990W (MS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the University\u2019s comprehensive campaign nears launch, Farrell reflects on philanthropy\u2019s power to connect communities and shape higher education.<\/h2>\n
\"Portrait
Thomas Farrell, senior vice president and chief advancement officer (University of Rochester photo \/ J. Adam Fenster)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Over Meliora Weekend<\/a>, which takes place September 18 to 21, the University of Rochester<\/a> will publicly launch For Ever Better<\/em><\/a>, the $1.75 billion comprehensive fundraising and engagement campaign rooted in the Boundless Possibility<\/em> strategic plan<\/a>. As federal policies reshape the landscapes of research, healthcare, and higher education, this initiative has only gained in urgency and importance.<\/p>\n

On August 20, Thomas Farrell, senior vice president for University Advancement<\/a>, spoke with Joe Testani, deputy to President Sarah Mangelsdorf, during a webinar sharing insights on what the campaign means for the institution, how it connects to our priorities, and why this moment matters more than ever. The following excerpts capture Farrell\u2019s reflections on how the new campaign advances the University\u2019s strategic vision.<\/p>\n

The launch of\u202f Boundless Possibility<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

\u201cThe opposite of love is not hate, it\u2019s indifference.\u201d<\/h4>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Farrell offered this reminder during the opening exchange of the conversation. Testani reflected that the University\u2019s strategic plan demands balance\u2014between philanthropy and engagement, between stakeholders\u2019 passions and institutional priorities, and between sustaining the institution and broadening its reach. Farrell added that the University receives 55,000 gifts annually, a testament to broad-based commitment and engagement across generations.<\/p>\n

In addition to ambitious philanthropic goals, the For Ever Better<\/em> campaign is distinguished by an engagement initiative. This includes energizing and reconnecting the University community, welcoming new supporters, deepening relationships with alumni and friends, and creating meaningful volunteer opportunities. It ensures that the campaign is not only about fundraising but also about building a vibrant community that will champion the University well beyond the life of the campaign.<\/p>\n

The campaign connection<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

\u201cA campaign lets us tell our story in a concise, organized, time-bound way.\u201d<\/h4>\n<\/blockquote>\n

For Ever Better<\/em> marks the most ambitious campaign in the University of Rochester\u2019s history. Already, more than $800 million has been raised toward the $1.75 billion goal, with scales poised to tip toward completion. Campaigns typically span seven to eight years and move through phases, including:<\/p>\n