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Behind The Scenes At Cass Business School

Cass’ development director reveals the inner workings of his office

Thu Aug 11 2016

BusinessBecause
In August 2002, City University Business School became Cass Business School following a generous donation from the Sir John Cass Foundation, a historic educational charity founded in commemoration of an especially enterprising Londoner.

Today, Cass Business School stands as a one of the foremost centers of business academia in the UK capital, a culture of philanthropy woven within its very fabric.

David Street has worked as the university’s director of development for the past four years. Inspired by the American cradle-to-the-grave fundraising model, David’s aim is to develop truly life-long relationships with both current students and alumni from around the world.

Under the school’s new dean Marianne Lewis - who relocated from the US in 2015 - the perfect plan is being put in place to support this vision.

David has been in the business of fundraising and development for about 14 years. Prior to joining Cass, he headed up development and alumni relations at the University of East Anglia (UEA), revitalizing a long-dormant development office. East Anglia is where David calls home and he enjoyed his time there. But when Cass came a-calling, the opportunity was too good to pass up.

How did you get into a career working in fundraising and development?

davidstreetcass

I spent 25 years working in retail banking for Barclays. And a consistent theme throughout that was managing relationships with staff and high net-worth customers. As Barclays started to downsize, it dawned on me that my skills were transferable to other disciplines.

A friend of mine introduced me to a fundraising consultancy. I met with them and they offered me a job. They were then assigned a year contract at UEA and I was put on the case. When the contract came to an end, I was invited to stay on at the university.

What is the best thing about your role at Cass Business School?

The business school is very much on the up. We’re based in the heart of London and we’ve got some outstanding links and relationships that many schools would die for.

I’m very fortunate to work with some of the best minds in the world and I get the opportunity to meet some amazing alumni, donors and friends of the school.

What challenges do you face?

London’s like a large village, there’s lots of institutions here and there’s always stiff competition. So, attracting, recruiting and retaining the very best fundraising and alumni engagement staff is a challenge.

Another challenge is engaging at a high level with all of our alumni. Our alumni are based in 160 countries and we don’t have the resources to engage with them all in the same way, all the time.

The most important thing is making sure what we do is strategically important to the business school. We position our offering based on the needs of our students. A lot of donors might think they know what students want, but our students’ actual needs are most important because they’re going to be our next group of alumni.

What projects are you fundraising for this year?

By far the most popular area for support, and the greatest need for us, is for scholarships.

I genuinely think that we’re changing lives. We’re giving opportunities to young people who might not otherwise come here.

How much do you raise for the business school on average per year, and what percentage from alumni?

A couple of million a year in pure philanthropy, with about 25% from alumni.

The work of my team not only delivers cash income, but research income and repeat business by way of students coming back and doing post-graduate qualifications. If you take it wider than just pure philanthropy, the actual impact of our office is probably £4-5 million a year.

What are the largest and most surprising donations you’ve received during your time at Cass?

My personal largest individual donation is just about to come in next month: a $500,000 pledge from a former MBA student.

That’s going to help us establish a fund to develop our operation in Hong Kong. First, to create a scholarship for masters students from Hong Kong or China. But also to provide funding to actually go out there, and spread the word about Cass.

In terms of non-cash donations, we get some interesting stuff coming our way. We’ve had works of art, academic gowns. When I was at UEA, we even received a piano!

What methods do you use to solicit new donations?

I rely very much on determination and having a clear plan. It’s easy to charge around and not get anywhere. It’s about being selective with what you do.

I love meeting all alumni, but predominantly, I focus my big activity on those that have the greatest potential to help us.

What advice do you have for anyone starting a new development office in a school or college?

Have a plan and don’t overpromise and under-deliver. It’s all about confidence, internally and externally. So don’t set your aspirations too high. 

 

Student Reviews

Bayes Business School

Student

Verified

31/10/2023

On Campus

Best Journalism school in Europe

When I first stepped onto the campus of City, University of London, I knew I was in for a ride - and not just on the Tube! With its vibrant energy and an impressive repertoire of programs, City U became my home away from home. The Journalism program was kind of a big deal. Rumour was that we were the best in Europe! The lecturers were not just experts in their field; they’re practically journalistic royalty. They were invested, passionate, and had a knack for turning the most flat press release into a riveting news story. With their guidance, I’ve learned to navigate the chaotic world of media like a pro. The campus was a melting pot of every culture, being that we had such a diverse international crowd. Being in the heart of London, I had the world at my fingertips - there was always a new corner to explore, a hidden gem of a cafe to discover, or a street performer! City, University of London wasn't just a university; it was a chapter in my life story that I’ll never forget.

Lydia

Verified

23/02/2023

On Campus

Learning environment

The teacher-learner ration is manageable, giving each learner a chance to gain personal attention. It is also easier following up on the progress of a student, as the numbers per class is not large. the conducive environment for learning includes clean classes, standard desks, world class instructional facilities and the opportunity to engage lecturers even after their sessions. The team spirit at City is above board, with learners getting chance to learn both from instructors and colleagues. This is the university of choice; the place to be.

Nathaniel

Verified

24/01/2023

On Campus

Classes

I liked that each class had a manageable number of learners, making the professor-learner ratio favor knowledge acquisition. I also liked that study schedules were manageable, and not overwhelming. The focus on talents and gifts even within the learning environment makes it possible for learners to achieve the best of their potential, and this has worked to the advantage of those that have schooled at City, University of London

Muhammad

Verified

24/01/2023

On Campus

Classes

The diversity at City University facilitates interactions and is a direction toward the unity of the world. The classes are well built to match the number and needs of all students regardless of the elements of diversity that set people apart. The use of technology in delivery makes learning even more interesting and achievable. At City University there is no distinction pegged on the issues that make people unique.

Dorah

Verified

23/01/2023

On Campus

professors

The team of lecturers at the Uiversity are well experienced. Their level of insight and the methodologies of delivery works for the interes of the leaeners. My learning experience was largely boosted by the level of knowledge of the professors at the institution, and their passion to transfer the same to learners. I appreciate every class I attended because of the level of insight I was able to gather

Nora

Verified

17/12/2022

On Campus

The best university I’ve been to

The campus and the people I've met have made it a wonderful experience. I was reared in a small town with a graduating class of only 88 individuals, so moving to City University was a huge adjustment for me. My dorm has more residents than my whole high school combined! I enjoy the atmosphere here, and everyone is so friendly. Outstanding academic options and a stunning campus. Really great from beginning to end. The educators genuinely love what they do, and the students are ready to learn. On or around college, there is always something to do with friends, and the social scene is particularly warm.

Antonia

Verified

21/11/2022

On Campus

Bayes Business School

As a student at City university attending Bayes Business School I would totally recommend choosing this university as the experience is exceptional with great social networking opportunities . Professors are significantly helpful, delivering with excellence and professionalism. Everyone is happy to help and make you feel welcomed in such an esteem university as City, offering exceptional development and guidance through out the course.

Muhammad

Verified

15/11/2022

On Campus

Economics and Politics

Incredibly amazing university, the way they polish students and help them boost their morale and think intellectually is worthwhile. Many universities have international partnerships to allow exchanges between their students. The most obvious subjects for these opportunities would be those that involve languages, and the study of people and places.

Navya

Verified

11/11/2022

On Campus

Clinical biology

I really like it it’s perfect for me with not too many people and not too few either. All the modules are amazing. I love the toy bar. I love all the societies that I’ma part of. Especially the colour Bollywood society

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