Introducing Mark Anderson to the processes we live and breathe in the Corporate and Foundation Relations group has been great for all thus far! His inquisitive nature is perfect for development and he is eager to make an impact! He has already worked his way through both the ‘discovery’ and ‘assessment’ processes through which we find where “the money” is and then link it to the relevant part of RU. These two steps have been eye opening for Mark and he’s already begun integrating into his work the ‘network’ step—where potential interesting power connections to the potential funder(s) are identified.

Meanwhile, we are also mixing work and play: he’s introduced me to Tacoria (a favorite of his on Easton Ave) and next week we’ll be introducing him at a discussion with faculty about “Enhancing Science-Based Tools to Foster Community-Based Resilience Efforts.” We will be getting a dose of real time RU ‘brilliance’ from multiple disciplines on a climate change-related topic of local relevance.

Soon on the itinerary: some more introductions and the “outreach” phase, which includes a specific plan of attack to get a few doors opened for a select group of worthy Rutgers initiatives.  All is well here with Corporate and Foundation Relations and SIDAR!

Mike Marion 

Associate Vice President of Corporate and Foundation Relations, Rutgers University Foundation