Chris Yates joined LSE Advancement as its Director this summer, offering leadership for this newly defined function of the School and bringing over two decades’ worth of experience in the US. In this Q&A, he offers a brief word on his plans for improving and optimising alumni relations and fundraising at LSE, and the new philanthropic landscape for the School.
What attracted you to LSE?
The opportunity to come to the UK full time was extremely attractive. I spent some time in England as part of a semester abroad during my junior year at Stanford and fell in love with the place. But what appealed most of all was the opportunity to lead the Advancement effort at an institution with the standing and history of LSE. And at a critical time too, as the School’s leadership articulates a vision and strategy that aligns closely with the creation of an outstanding Advancement operation.
I especially appreciate the approach LSE takes to addressing unique and important subject matters through its focus on the social sciences, tackling many of the world’s most pressing matters today. One of the most positive things about LSE is its research product and the way it is disseminated to the public. It attracts all sorts of incredible people to this centre of discourse – indeed, it is rare to find one institution that so consistently attracts such a high level of notables.
How can the Advancement function at LSE help connect alumni and friends to the life and work of the School?
Advancement combines alumni relations, annual giving and major giving functions under one umbrella. It is also about advancing relationships between School and alumni in all facets, from the day they arrive onwards – instilling a sense of pride in the institution that has made their achievements possible, through ensuring a mutually beneficial lifelong connection and relationship.
Our approach in this regard needs to be well-coordinated and well thought out. It is our goal to keep alumni fully informed and connected back to the School, providing opportunities to involve themselves with the School at every level and throughout every phase of life – whether it is ongoing learning, networking and career opportunities, volunteering, attending events and, last but not least, providing financial support.
One indicator of the great progress we’re already making is with the introduction of the new LSE Alumni| website. This is making it easier for our alumni to network with the global LSE community, share news with their peers and keep connected with the School – just one example of clear steps being taken to enrich the alumni experience.
How do you see yourself applying practices from the US to the mission of fundraising at LSE?
There is said to be a culture here in Britain of being more hesitant about fundraising and asking for money in general. I do think we ought to be more open about our funding – if we can enhance understanding about how the School is currently financed, then I think that will help change attitudes around giving.
US institutions have invested heavily in Advancement for a long time, and strive to ensure their students develop a strong affinity with their institution from the moment they arrive. Some of our UK peers have invested heavily in this area and the results have proven that it can make a big difference. I don’t think it is generally very productive to just suddenly ask for money without providing context or instilling any sense of connection back to the School, so we need to be sure we are strengthening ties in all manner of engagement with alumni – building trust and increasing understanding.
What do you consider to be the most important element of a donor’s relationship with an institution like LSE?
Trust and pride in the institution. You want a donor to actively and enthusiastically seek to engage with our work because we are making it an attractive thing to do – in a way that gives them faith in our ability to properly steward their gift and achieve the impact they desire.
Finally, why do people give to LSE?
People give to LSE because they believe in the ability of young people to change the world, because they want to work with us to solve the world’s toughest problems, and because they want to build better global institutions and communities – starting with LSE itself.
In this regard, Professor Saw Swee Hock’s journey as a donor is a shining example of this kind of giving. By previously supporting scholarships, he helped to ensure that we continue to attract the brightest and best. By contributing to our vision for our estate, he has helped us in our ambitions to make our physical setting commensurate with our global standing. Now this latest generous gift furthers our ambitions in a very different but equally important way, underlining our distinctly global vision. We can thank Professor Saw for his continued support by extending his philanthropic vision to others in the LSE community and hopefully inspiring them along the way.
Learn more about the School's new strategic priorities for philanthropy in the latest edition of Impact|