Notes from San Francisco/Palo Alto Focus Group - March 17, 2005
Photos from this Event

Attendees
Billie Abrams (SEAS, 1979)
Jackie Glynn (Darden, 1993)
Christa Compton (A&S, 1993; Education, 1993)
Jennifer Belissent (A&S, 1989)
Marianne Quarre Dean (Darden, 1989)
Lindsay Farino (A&S, 1983)
Lois K. Garland (Host) (SEAS, 1983; GSEAS, 1987)
Hanna George (Law, 1993)
Barbara Glynn (GSAS, 1967)
Nikki Greene Beyer (Commerce, 1976)
Marie Highby (Darden, 1981)
Sonja L. Hoel (Host) (Commerce, 1988)
Anne Kopf-Sill (SEAS, 1981)
Amy Kunihiro (A&S, 1993)
Peggy Allen Lizaur (A&S, 1975)
Karen Ebert Matthys (SEAS, 1983)
Kimberly Moorehead (SEAS, 1995)
Sally Mouzon (A&S, 1986)
Kirsten Oleson (SEAS, 1996)
Karen L. Payne (Host) (SEAS, 1981)
Lucille H. Sansing (GSAS, 1969)
Mary Alexandra Saumweber Spyker (Education, 1971)
Julia K. Schoettle (A&S, 1981)
Maya Ong Escudero
Susie Simon (Education, 1975)
Lisa Sturzenegger (A&S, 1982; Law, 1987)
Charlotte Ziems (A&S, 1981)

U.Va. Staff in Attendance
Robyn Beck Dietter (Intern for Women in Leadership & Philanthropy)
Megan E. Hoak (A&S, 1995, Regional & Reunion Development)
Patricia M. Lampkin (Education, 1986, Vice President for Student Affairs)
Jenny Wyss-Jones (Assistant Campaign Director)

Main Questions
How do we increase the influence of alumnae and women friends at the University, regionally, and locally?

• What motivates you to connect with the University?
• What would encourage you to connect more often?
• What would encourage you to give and why?
• What do you want in return from the University?

Local Events

• Allow women the opportunity to meet with/interview prospective and admitted students
• Events should be substantive
• Be aware of women's busy schedules and plan events with that in mind; lunchtime seems a convenient time for many women to meet
• Schedule regular meetings of women regionally, as a part of the national group
• Find ways to involve/interest both members of the couple in U.Va. events
• A "lecture series" is appealing--feature speakers from U.Va.
  • Advertise these events publicly to broaden the U.Va. name
• Create small women's networks based on profession, interests, age, etc.
• Remember that San Francisco and Silicon Valley are not the same; consider target audiences
• Provide lifetime learning opportunities with a variety of topics to interest families, different ages, etc.
  • Provide courses around life issues (e.g., children, aging parents, changing jobs, retirement, etc.)
• Specific, personal invites to events are most effective

Leadership

• Women are interested in mentoring students or hosting students for internships
  • Some women may be available to offer housing for students completing internships in the area
• Offering childcare for women who travel to U.Va. for volunteer or board service would be helpful
• Share with women the volunteer opportunities that are needed and available at U.Va.
• Create a network of local women upon which current female students can call for advice, mentoring, etc.

Communications

• Recognize/highlight more women in publications (e.g., women leaders, women in sports)
• U.Va. needs to do better outreach/personal touches for children of alumnae--especially in terms of recruitment
• Create ways for alumnae to let the University know about their interests; match those interests to giving opportunities
  • U.Va. needs to reach out in more meaningful/personal ways

Philanthropy

• Recognize the value of steady giving, not just largest gifts
• Create a giving opportunity that is directed at improving women
• Women want a personal connection when they give

Other

• Women-only travel opportunities