Andy's Got the Answer

Photo by Shawna Noel Schill

UND’s 13th President, Dr. Andrew Armacost, acknowledges philanthropy, success and goals for his upcoming presidency.

Alumni Magazine: It’s been several weeks since you were named UND’s 13th president. How are you feeling about this new and exciting role?

Armacost: I feel truly honored to be selected to serve in this role. My excitement levels are just as high as December 3rd, when the board made their selection. Over the last five weeks, I’ve had the chance to connect with so many people, including students, faculty, alumni, board members, parents, and more. The outpouring of support shows that everyone affiliated with UND truly cares about our success.

Alumni Magazine: Fundraising and alumni engagement will be major tasks for you as UND’s president. What is your experience in philanthropy?

Armacost: Most people assume that the federal government fully funds service academies. But this is not the case. The Air Force Academy had many programs requiring private support. This included infrastructure needs, academic programs and endowed professorships. An important role I held as the chief academic officer was to build relationships with potential donors and to build the case for how private donations support students and faculty members. There was only one catch: as a federal employee, I wasn’t permitted to solicit donations. I spent a significant amount of time building the case for private philanthropy among alumni and industry partners. Doing so required close coordination with our foundation and development officers, who were then charged with the “ask.” We were quite effective. Among the key achievements during my tenure were raising $60 million for our new cyber innovation center, the development and launch of a first-ever comprehensive campaign with a target of $280 million, attracting a $10 million single donor for endowed professorships, and strengthening the spirit of stewardship across the faculty.

Alumni Magazine: In your opinion, what makes a fundraiser successful?

Armacost: When people hear about my new role they often say, “Do you really want to get involved in all that fundraising?” I tell them that fundraising is really about relationship building and storytelling—those are the keys to success. It’s about highlighting how private donations can help create opportunities for students that wouldn’t exist otherwise. It’s explaining to potential donors how those opportunities transform students’ lives. There’s no better way to enrich a society than by contributing to higher learning and the development that happens on this campus. community, both on campus and across the nation.

Alumni Magazine: Will you attend alumni events across the county this spring?

Armacost: I am very excited to participate in many alumni events and gatherings this spring, prior to taking over as President. I currently have trips planned to Texas, Florida, Arizona, and DC, in addition to many trips to Grand Forks.

Alumni Magazine: Aside from financially, how do you believe alumni engagement elevates a university?

Armacost: Alumni are the voice to the community about the experiences they had at the university. They are a conduit to others, whether in North Dakota or across the nation. Their eyes, ears and voices can have a tremendous influence on others. Those voices carry forth the pride in UND, and this really sells the case of the University.

Alumni Magazine: What are your goals for your first 100 days as UND president?

Armacost: A top priority in the early days of my presidency, and even into the months before I arrive at UND, is to make contact with as many of our key donors as possible, simply to say, “Hello, this is Andy Armacost, and I want to express my appreciation of what you have done for the University of North Dakota.”

I will work very closely with the UND Foundation so that I understand existing donor priorities and how those match our strategic plan. I want to make sure I’m armed with the right information to go out and tell the story to attract private philanthropy for the key priorities of UND.

Alumni Magazine: You seem very personable from the various news articles and videos that have been in the media. Have you been described that way before?

Armacost: Thanks, and that has been a descriptor I have heard. I have a genuine care and concern for each member of our community. At the Academy, I tried to connect—truly connect—with as many people as possible. I will work my hardest to show that devotion to the members of the UND I think this sense of pride has to continue to be nurtured. As President, my responsibility is to make sure the alumni community hears the great stories about our students, faculty, coaches, and sports teams. In addition, I must be willing to listen carefully to the concerns of alumni, who are key voices of advice (and sometimes dissent).

Finally, we must celebrate the success of our alumni, which reflects the experiences they had at UND. This provides an important showcase for UND’s academic excellence and our focus on developing extraordinary human beings.

Alumni Magazine: Is there anything else you would like to say to alumni?

Armacost: I must express my appreciation for the support you provide to UND. Whether it’s financial or moral support, you play an integral role. If alumni have been disengaged or wayward, we would love to have you back, even to just simply wear the colors of UND with pride. To those who have made donations or offered your time, rest assured, you have made a difference and we couldn’t do it without you. Please accept my fullest sense of gratitude for everything the alumni community does.