Changing the World Through Fundraising at Stanford University
QAwith &
Michele Schiele ’85 What is your current title and place of business? I am Senior Associate Vice President for Development at Stanford University.
What projects are you currently working on? I am in the second half of a billion dollar Campaign for Stanford Medicine, working with the development office in the School of Engineering to plan for new development initiatives and working to attract philanthropy for Stanford’s Neuroscience Institute and Chemistry, Engineering and Medicine for Health Institute.
We understand you’re working to bring in funds to support research projects. How’s that going? What research are you hoping to fund? How are you raising awareness/ funds? Yes. Our efforts are going well because there is a sense of excitement in the philanthropic community about the current opportunity for scientific discovery in biomedicine. Many liken the current era of medicine to the middle of the last century when computers were being developed. New technologies are being created to bring to bear on some of biomedicine’s most difficult problems.
Was there any one thing you learned at OLP that you carried with you through your higher education and into your career? Absolutely. At OLP I learned the importance of hard work and building strong relationships. Throughout my education and in my career there were times when the best thing to do was keep my head down and work hard. Eventually, you come out of the “tunnel” and reach your goals. I have also been blessed with strong relationships since leaving OLP. When I combine those relationships with hard work, audacious goals seem attainable.
What advice do you have for OLP grads as young women who are looking to change the world? Be ready to work hard and don’t even try to do it alone! Surround yourself with like minded people who will encourage you and support you through the good times and bad.
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