Aug. 22, 2003 – The University of the Virgin Islands has chosen former Cincinnatian Don Turner as its new director of Annual Giving and Major Gifts. He is responsible for managing the university's fund-raising efforts which draw on private-sector donations.
Turner joins UVI after a long relationship with the United Way and Community Chest organization in Cincinnati, where he was vice president for volunteer resource development. There, he was a key player in the development of the United Way's annual fund campaign strategy, soliciting leadership donors and managing campaign accounts.
Raising funds for worthy causes seems to be more than just a job for Turner: It seems to be in his blood.
"In a sense, I feel like I've been a fund-raiser all my life," he stated in a UVI release, recounting how as a youngster he became involved in raising money for an addition to a Cincinnati church, an activity which was to serve as a model for him in his professional career.
"I've been involved in fund-raising activities for numerous community, social service and philanthropic causes ever since," he said.
Turner also said that he's eager to learn about the local culture and that, in addition to developing new fund-raising strategies, he hopes to extend the university's existing programs.
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