What's Your Passion

WHAT'S YOUR PASSION?
- Auli Summerhays, Events Coordinator; Deb McCune, Director of University Events; and Matt Helmer, Assistant Director of University Events, Colorado State University

Springtime at Colorado State University brings fresh green grass to the Oval and the Faculty/Staff (F/S) Drive to our closest audience: CSU employees. In years past, this annual fundraising drive has included a letter from the president to all employees and a flyer with a return envelope and a pledge form.

This spring, the F/S Drive team was charged with bringing more visibility to the drive. And what did they think of first? Events! Throw in a few cookies and punch and voilá, you’ve got a party. Wrong! What you have is a way to spend money and put a burden on others to be there to make it an event. The F/S Drive staff looked to the University Events team to help create a series of events, but what they got was an unexpected approach.

After some creative brainstorming fun and asking ourselves what we want to accomplish, the University Events team came back with a new twist: Eventless Events! These would not rely on employees to take time from their already busy schedules to make an event happen, but would literally take the “events” to them. (Besides, who really is excited about going to an event where you are asked to give money?...) The F/S Drive theme “What’s Your Passion?” was introduced to campus with the mailing of a small, colorful note which included only the question: What’s your passion? The buzz commenced immediately! “What is this all about?!?! Do you know what this is???” When subsequent publications reached employees’ hands, they were already intrigued – and willing to read about the “passion drive.” The university held “What’s Your Passion?” days when donors and volunteers sported buttons supporting the theme – and answered questions about their CSU passions. Small posters featuring faculty and staff donors sharing their passions popped up across campus. Passion was everywhere!

Instead of waiting for people to come to the events, the events literally went out to the people. Balloons and thank-you books were delivered to faculty and staff who’ve supported the university with their donations. (Talk about visibility!) Volunteers created memorable moments by visiting surprised employees at their desks and laboratories – even in their classrooms! The F/S donors received their thanks in person and then got to share with their co-workers and students why they received such special treatment. Students were surprised to learn that their professors, advisors and campus staff are passionate enough about the university to open their wallets and support some great initiatives across campus. (Talk about visibility!!!) Oh, and did we mention that the events came to the people? An “event in a box” shipment was even sent to an agricultural experiment station in another part of the state – so they could feel the passion across the miles! In return, we received a thank you shipment of 20 lbs. of black and pinto beans – which were used in the thank you baggies for our volunteers. (Talk about beany passion…) Oh, and did we mention that this year’s faculty/staff drive beat all previous records?!

So, what’s your passion? If you are in events, you probably are passionate about re-creating old programs and events with new twists – and with little money. Step outside the box, play a while and find your creativity in new solutions. Get out of the ballrooms and into the classrooms. Find others who are passionate about what they do – be it larvae research or dance choreography – and bring them to donors, friends and alumni. Share the passion and share an experience. Good luck with eventless events!

University Events Team, Colorado State University

Deb McCune, Chief Experience Officer
Matt Helmer, Deputy Experience Officer
Auli Summerhays, Experience Coordinator

e-Communiqué
August/September 2006	Published exclusively for members of ACCED-I