Staff Archives - Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary

Fundraising Is People

Marketing and Communications — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 14:38:58 +0000

Reverend Dr. David Heetland reflects on 42 years of service

When the Reverend Dr. David Heetland took the podium at a trustee dinner celebrating his 42 years serving Garrett, he would have had every right to boast about his many accomplishments. In his capacity as vice president for development, and most recently senior vice president for planned giving, Heetland helped raise more than $200 million—perhaps the person most singularly responsible for the seminary’s secure financial foundation.

In this moment affirming that legacy, however, Heetland spoke of gratitude. “I am grateful,” he said, “for this sacred work to which I was called—to help people grow in their own spirituality by investing themselves in something bigger than themselves, and in the process discovering the joy of giving and the truth of Jesus’s words—that when they invest themselves in something greater than themselves, in the causes of Christ, they discover life at its deepest, richest level.”

“But it is not just the donors who grow spiritually,” Heetland continued. “So too do we. I have grown in my own faith journey as God has taught me much about life and giving through the donors I have come to know.” Those words embody what makes his understanding of stewardship so powerful: He never treated development as just asking for money. Instead, he rightfully lived this calling as a ministry.

Heetland noted that, too often, ministers are not trained with this perspective; therefore, the prospect of fundraising elicits fear and anxiety. “Seminaries have not done a great job of teaching pastors about the importance of financial stewardship,” he said. “And talking about money is one of the last taboos we have, so many ministers simply aren’t comfortable asking people to give.” A study some years ago confirms this assessment. When pastors were asked what part of their jobs they felt least prepared to do, fundraising was the resounding consensus.

The way to alleviate this sense of fear, Heetland suggested, is to shift the focus from securing donations to cultivating relationships. “Oftentimes, we have the idea that asking for money is convincing someone to do something they don’t want to do,” he said. “But actually, our mission is to plant seeds of awareness. Before ever asking people to consider a gift, I want to hear their stories. I need to understand their interests and values and where they may intersect with our mission.”

This change in approach can transform fundraising into a process of deep mutuality and unexpected joy. It can also lead to what Heetland likes to call “happy surprises.” One time, for example, a colleague recommended Heetland talk with a gentleman he had met. Heetland visited the man at his home several times and learned of his deep commitment to his local church and his willingness to learn more about Garrett. On the anniversary of their first visit, the gentleman indicated his intention to give $5,000 a year for five years to establish a scholarship in his name. Unfortunately, he died a few months later. Shortly after his death, however, Heetland was notified that the gentleman had included the seminary in his will for a gift of $300,000—enough to permanently endow a leadership scholarship in his name. It was a very happy surprise!

Time and again, Heetland discovered that when he focused on building long-term relationships, amazing things happened. “I saw donors in their fullness, with many different gifts,” he noted, “including perhaps the gift of financial resources. I saw them as our partners, collaborating with us on projects that would give them, as well as us, great joy. I saw them not just as donors, but as friends—friendships built on mutual trust and respect. And more often than not, it is when these long-term relationships are nurtured that happy surprises result.”

Heetland concluded his remarks at the dinner by telling those gathered that he grew up on a farm, and that one of his favorite parables is the parable of the sower. “We are reminded,” he said, “that some seeds fall on rocky ground, some seeds fall on thorny ground, some seeds fall on good soil. The sower does not cause the seeds to grow. The sower simply plants the seeds, knowing that God will cause some to grow and bring forth grain, some a hundred-fold, some sixty, and some thirty.”

“And so it is with us,” Heetland noted. “We are called to diligently plant seeds of awareness about Garrett’s mission day in and day out. We never know for sure which seeds will sprout and produce gifts, some a hundred-fold, some sixty, and some thirty. We simply know that if we are faithful in our work, the Word is our promise, and we can rest in the knowledge that God will cause some to grow and bring forth grain. These are our happy surprises—and they never fail to delight because they remind us that God is always at work in our midst.”

If you would like to honor David Heetland’s 42 years of ministry at Garrett, you are invited to contribute to the David and Kathy Heetland Endowed Scholarship.

The post Fundraising Is People appeared first on Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary.

If We Don’t Do Something, Who Will?

Marketing and Communications — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 02:39:19 +0000

A Q/A with Nancy Ramos, Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving

Where did you work before coming to Garrett?
I’ve been working in nonprofit fundraising for about 10 years, with experience at Girl Scouts, CASA, and a homeless day center. At each of these positions I have had a strong sense of “why” and have enjoyed using my skills to make a difference.

What excites you about your work at Garrett?

I’m excited about building relationships with our alumni and hearing their inspiring stories of ministry. I love learning what led them to pursue their calling and how their time at Garrett helped shape their journey. Their experiences not only inspire me but also encourage me to explore new ways to expand my own ministry.

I am also excited about my fundraising role. Being a part of a team working to ensure Garrett’s rich history continues for years into the future, is exciting. I’m particularly excited about the ways in which Garrett is expanding beyond the Evanston campus which is allowing more people to follow their calling.

What has surprised you in talking with Garrett students?

I’ve only met a few students but am looking forward to meeting more. The students I have met have inspiring stories of how their faith journey has led them to Garrett. Their conviction and courage motivate me in both my professional and personal ministry work.

You’re also the director of annual giving. Why is ongoing support for the seminary vital to our mission?

Ongoing support is vital to the mission of Garrett because it allows us to not only meet the daily financial needs of the seminary but also dream for the future. Consistent annual giving allows us to ensure the building and grounds are available for future students, meet technology needs which come with and allow growth, provide financial aid to students most in need, and develop innovative programs which enhance student education.

How is this work important to your own faith?

I have often dreamed of changing the world but never fully believed I had the knowledge to do so. Over the years, I have learned to embrace the skills that God has given me and use them to make a difference through local organizations. I believe that God has called me to Garrett so that I may have a larger impact by encouraging the ministry of others.

What are your passions outside of your work at Garrett?

Two of my passions are the St. Louis Cardinals and University of Illinois basketball. I am a HUGE fan of both and enjoy sharing my “fandom” with my brother, sister and mom. I am also the Director of Camp Rock Forward, a ministry through my church which provides a week of summer camp to children in foster care. I enjoy working year-round with my team of volunteers and our campers.

Thinking about your children and the future of the church, why is it important to leave a legacy for coming generations? I simply have always felt called to do something. I credit my strong faith to my dad, who one day asked me, “If we don’t do something, who will?” From that moment on, I’ve approached everything that way.

The post If We Don’t Do Something, Who Will? appeared first on Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary.

Michele G. Smith Named Garrett’s Next CFO

Marketing and Communications — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 13:30:00 +0000

91PORN is pleased to announce that Michele G. Smith has been appointed the new vice president for finance and operations and chief financial officer, effective September 15, 2023.

“Garrett’s reputation for educating courageous spiritual leaders is well-known. I am excited to partner with President Viera and the rest of the leadership team as we together envision Garrett’s role in future kingdom service,” said Michele. “By building upon the existing strong framework to best position Garrett going forward, the students we send out as faithful servant leaders will be supported and well-prepared for our ever-changing world.”

After a national search, Garrett ‘s search committee enthusiastically recommended Michele G. Smith as its new CFO. Michele has served in higher and theological education for many years, most prominently as the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University in Ft. Worth, Texas. Currently, she is the interim Vice President for Financial Services/CFO at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, also in Fort Worth. She brings a wealth of experience having already served in this role at multiple institutions and is also deeply involved in the work of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), of which Garrett is a founding member. Michele has extensive experience in finance, accounting, investments, budget, tax, cash management, and operations both in higher education and in private banking, and she holds both the BBA and MBA from Baylor University.

“Michelle is an experienced and highly seasoned leader who will bring that wealth of knowledge and capability to Garrett,” said President Javier Viera. “We’re fortunate to have been able to attract such a recognized leader to Garrett, and I’m excited for her to begin her leadership among us.”

Many thanks are in order for the search committee who worked with President Viera on this search, which produced a highly talented group of candidates. Trustees Jim Lumberg, Andrea Wright, Julia Wyatt, and Doug Worthington represented the board; Professors Reginald Blount and Mark Teasdale the faculty, and Carine Lopez Velazquez, Becky Eberhart, and Steve Malott, the Senior Leadership Team. Their thoughtfulness and commitment enabled Garrett to attract a top candidate.

Michele also currently serves as a board member (treasurer) for a medical clinic offering free health and dental services, including assistance in self- help, to the underserved and uninsured population in Fort Worth. She remains active in a local church, and has served ATS as chair for CFO Conference Planning Committee, as well as a presenter at its CFO Conference in both 2018 and 2022. She was instrumental in the successful development of the Configuring Higher Education Administration for Next Generation Excellence initiative, a Lilly Foundation Pathways for Tomorrow Phase III grant. Michele remains actively engaged in C.H.A.N.G.E.’s efforts to design and develop shared services for ATS schools.

Welcome to Garrett, Michelle!

91PORN, a graduate school of theology historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, was founded in 1853. Located on the campus of Northwestern University, the seminary serves more than 450 students from various denominations and cultural backgrounds, fostering an atmosphere of ecumenical interaction. Garrett-Evangelical creates bold leaders through master of divinity, master of arts, master of theological studies, doctor of philosophy, and doctor of ministry degrees. Its 4,500 living alumni serve church and society around the world.

The post Michele G. Smith Named Garrett’s Next CFO appeared first on Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary.