News & Events

Friday, October 13, 2006
by: Moving Forward

We recently visited with Joseph G. Sandman, vice president for University Advancement. Sandman
oversees all activities related to development, alumni affairs, government relations, public relations and marketing, and is a member of University President Monsignor Robert Sheeran’s (’67, S.T.D.) executive cabinet.

You have had a long career in Catholic higher education. What strikes you as special about Seton Hall?
J.S.: There is a strong sense
of community and pride here.
Virtually every alum you talk to had a great experience at The Hall. There is passion for our athletic programs. We are a family.
How is the Ever Forward campaign progressing toward the goal of $150 million?
J.S.: Really well. We have surpassed the $103 million mark, with 18 months to go.
How were the campaign priorities selected and by whom?
J.S.: Monsignor Sheeran and the Board of Regents approved the Sesquicentennial Strategic Plan in June 2003, which had input from deans, faculty, administrators and students. The campaign priorities flow directly from the strategic plan.
Monsignor Sheeran has made a commitment to do a better job of engaging our alumni. How
is University Advancement achieving this goal?
J.S.: There are new programs and benefits for alumni, such as the recent Rome pilgrimage, regional alumni chapters and Pack the House during basketball season. We're also improving our communications to alumni and groups of alumni, enabling them to communicate with each other. Hey, and those who are reading this have an improved, redesigned magazine in their hands!
What about government relations — are we
reaching out to local, state and federal officials? Are we getting results?
J.S.: We are getting better results than ever. In the
past three years, we have received more than $2 million in legislature-designated appropriations, of which $1.6 million is for the Science and Technology Center.
You seem to like your job.
J.S.: No, I love it! The Hall’s mission, Monsignor
Sheeran’s and the regents’ strong leadership, our family atmosphere, the location near New York City,
our Catholicity…what’s not to love?
Back to the campaign. What impact will a successful effort have on Seton Hall — short-term and long-term?
J.S.: It will significantly improve our competitive position among the nation’s top Catholic universities. Long-term, we stand to raise our key scores in the U.S.News & World Report rankings — including percentage of alumni giving, dollars invested in academic programs, size of endowment and reputation among opinion leaders. Short-term: Take a look at the Science and Technology Center rising on campus and plans
for the new University Center. You can feel the energy
and excitement among students, faculty and donors.
What is your last word for this “Last Word”
column?
J.S.: Two words, actually: Go Pirates!

For more information please contact:
Greg Tobin
(973) 378-9842
tobinggr@shu.edu