A Compelling Mission Inspires Donor Support 2013 BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIR LAURA DAGAN When LAURA DAGAN joined the Champlain College Board of Trustees in 2006, she gained a seat at the table— and a huge new family. That’s how she describes the Champlain community of committed trustees, visionary administrators, skilled faculty and staff, enthusiastic students, supportive families, and successful graduates. “I am passionate about higher education and its important role in shaping our world. Champlain College has been a perfect fit for me because of its vision, agility, and continual innovation. I particularly enjoy opportunities to engage with students, faculty, and staff, and always come away energized and impressed with the quality of the entire Champlain community,” she says.
“I am passionate about higher education and its important role in shaping our world.” Dagan recently retired from Dwight Asset Management in Burlington, where she was CEO and board chairperson. As a trustee, and one of Champlain’s chief cheerleaders and fundraisers, Dagan finds her role is made easier by the College’s growing—and glowing—sphere of influence. “Champlain’s positive impact on the community is widely recognized and appreciated.”says Dagan, board chairperson since 2011. Dagan cites Champlain’s pillars of professional career focus, integrated liberal arts Core curriculum, and life skills development in the Life Experience & Action Dimension (LEAD) program as among the College’s many distinctions. “I am most impressed by Champlain’s entrepreneurial approach to continually providing a relevant educational experience for students in a rapidly changing world,” she says. “It is rewarding to see students’ passion and determination, and to help them develop the experience and skills to fulfill their dreams.”
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ith a compelling mission and excellent leadership, Champlain College has become a leader in new thinking for higher education. Throughout the Vision Innovation Passion Campaign, friends, businesses, community members, parents, and alumni showed how much they embrace Champlain’s relevant, rigorous, and pragmatic approach to education that prepares students for meaningful lives. In a thriving but small state like Vermont, with so many important organizations that need support, it is extremely fulfilling to be involved with an institution that inspires such generous giving. My deepest gratitude extends to all our donors, including many new friends of the College, and to President David Finney, whose vision has helped propel Champlain so very far. The campaign would not have been as successful without the enlightened guidance of our campaign leadership by Trustee Emerita Dawn Terrill ‘88 and current Trustee Michael Metz. Working with the talented and dedicated trustees who believe deeply in Champlain’s mission is an honor. The entire board’s tremendous support was crucial in meeting our goal. I’m proud of the widespread support from so many donors who appreciate the Champlain College model. I am also very proud of the transformational gift from the Stiller Family Foundation and the opportunity to create the Stiller School of Business. This is a powerful endorsement of the value Champlain provides its students, local businesses, the Vermont community, and beyond, and it allows us to build upon our strong foundation of innovation. I love being part of the Champlain family and am pleased that my investment supports this innovative approach to higher education. It’s a privilege to be associated with those who recognize the importance of nurturing and supporting Champlain’s mission. Thank you! Laura Dagan
Champlain View | Fall 13
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