BGU | PRESIDENT'S REPORT 2024

JEFF

KAYE

VICE PRESIDENT FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS

AND RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

I am pleased to present my annual report on the activities of the Division for Public Affairs and Resource Development, under my supervision. Despite facing significant hurdles, our team has risen admirably to the occasion. The past year posed unique challenges, notably navigating our inherent drive to create a better future alongside internal rifts within Israeli society; and securing the future of BGU while responding to the urgent needs in our community triggered by the brutal Hamas attack on Israel on October 7. In navigating these difficulties, the relevance and importance of mobilizing BGU supporters worldwide became more pronounced than ever before. Our outreach efforts played a pivotal role, utilizing webinars, video testimonials, and written updates to share compelling stories of our affected student population. We told the story of students who tragically lost their lives, those taken as hostages, and those displaced due to destroyed homes. Additionally, we highlighted the resilience of students serving in the IDF reserves during these tumultuous times. The Spokesperson's Unit initiated and facilitated international media visits to campus and interviews with President Chamovitz and the University leadership, resulting in unprecedented global exposure to BGU. Amidst these challenges, our fundraising endeavors bore fruit. We are grateful for the generosity of many

donors who have made significant pledges to our future, such as Sylvan Adams, who contributed a substantial $100 million to BGU. And when we needed to regroup in the midst of a war, our collective efforts resulted in $12 million quickly raised in emergency funds. These contributions have been instrumental in addressing the urgent needs arising from the crisis. WHEN WE NEEDED TO REGROUP IN THE MIDST OF A WAR, OUR COLLECTIVE EFFORTS RESULTED IN $12 MILLION QUICKLY RAISED IN EMERGENCY FUNDS. THESE CONTRIBUTIONS HAVE BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN ADDRESSING THE URGENT NEEDS ARISING FROM THE CRISIS. We have hosted scores of visitors in the last year ranging from solidarity missions to exploratory visits from major philanthropic foundations. Division professionals and University leaders made dozens of visits overseas, attending galas and parlor meetings and engaging with current and potential donors. We learned that a visit from BGU serves not only to tell the University's story, but also provides an opportunity to learn about the current situation of the local Jewish community – often in crisis because of anti-Israel demonstrations and increased antisemitism. Despite the adversities, our regular activities such as the Board of Governors meeting and the Halutz leadership

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Ben-Gurion University of the Negev