Weeks after being installed as the vice president for advancement, Pat Vickerman is still waiting for the rest of the furniture to go in his office.
“We’re still working on a furniture arrangement,” Vickerman said. “For now I am just working with what I have.”
One thing that has changed, however, is how close he is to meeting the stated goal of raising $150 million for the Campaign for a Bradley Renaissance.
“We are now at $119.5 million,” he said. “I am confident that we will exceed our target of $150 million.”
Vickerman said over the next few months he and University President Joanne Glasser will be traveling around the country to raise money for the campaign.
“We are going to take the show on the road this summer,” he said. “We are going to Chicago, St. Louis, Washington D.C. and Los Angeles so we will be going from coast to coast.”
Vickerman said although he is excited to travel and raise money for the campaign, one of his favorite parts of his new position is getting to know alumni and friends of the university.
“I enjoy listening to how Bradley has made a difference in the lives of alumni and friends,” he said. “The general consensus is that they are excited to be a part of Bradley and are enthusiastic about what is going on on campus.”
While the economy has been affecting the monetary side of alumni’s contributions to campus, Vickerman said he is confident Bradley will be in a good position when the economy recovers.
“While we are seeing a bit of decline in private support, we have not seen a decline in excitement about campus,” he said. “Even if alums cannot afford to make a substantial contribution today, if we keep in contact with them and keep them updated they might be able to tomorrow.”
The community seems to share alumni’s enthusiasm about Bradley, Vickerman said.
“When people find out I work for Bradley they get excited,” he said. “The community really appreciates what Bradley means for them.”
Vickerman said students are also happy about the direction Bradley is going.
“I have been very impressed with students commitment to Bradley. Students and faculty are what make a campus,” he said. “Students have an unbridled enthusiasm for life and learning and that energizes me.”
Working with President Glasser is also energizing, he said.
“Her excitement, energy, and leadership are outstanding,” Vickerman said. “Her commitment to visiting with students and faculty is great. She is a great person to have leading the charge.”
Vickerman said even when the university meets its goal of $150 million for the campaign he will continue fundraising.
“Fundraising will never end for the university. It is an ongoing thing,” he said. “What we’re building on for this campaign could help us with the next campaign.”
Vickerman said so far he has enjoyed his experience at Bradley.
“The transition from central Iowa to central Illinois has gone smoothly,” he said. “It’s been great.”
