The University of Toledo Foundation is expected to save approximately $416, 500 in its operating budget, as a result of the 2007 merger between the UT Foundation and the former Medical University of Ohio Foundation.
At their June 17 quarterly meeting, trustees approved an operating budget of $1.9 million for the 2009 fiscal year, an 18-percent decrease from 2007.
“There has been a tremendous amount of cost efficiency resulting from the merger,” said Brenda Lee, president of the UT Foundation. “This includes reducing the number of employees from 22 to 16 and combining offices to reduce the amount of space being leased.”
“As the official gift-receiving organization for the University, fiscal responsibility is particularly important to us and we are trying to be fiscal stewards for the greater good of the University,” she said. “The cost savings will ultimately result in additional funding being available for UT needs and opportunities,” she noted.
Accomplishments Noted
In addition to discussing the decreased budget, outgoing UT Foundation board chairman Michael Todak summarized many of the significant Foundation highlights for the past fiscal year:
- Lowering the administrative fee assessed to endowed funds, from the 2007 rate of 1.8 percent (MUO Foundation) and 1.35 percent (UT Foundation) to 1.25 percent
- Successful merger of two investment committees, selection of a new investment
consultant, and progress made in alternative investment areas
- Selection of a new independent auditor for the combined Foundation
- Analysis of all staff positions and adoption of a new employee handbook
- Working with the University and Toledo neighborhoods to create safe, dynamic
student-centered areas surrounding campus
- Sale of the former MUO Foundation office building, resulting in a profit and a
significant operating cost reduction
- Total renovation of the Driscoll Center offices to sufficiently accommodate the
combined Foundation staff
- Working with the office of Institutional Advancement to increase development and alumni activity, especially with medical school graduates ,“This truly has been a tremendous year for this Foundation,” said Mr. Todak, “and I am confident that the upcoming years will be even better.”
Strategic Plan Adopted
The Foundation also adopted a new strategic plan. Chuck Sullivan, board vice-chairman, said the plan is intended to align with the University’s strategic plan. “This plan will be the basis for the Foundation’s objectives and goals into the future, and will change as necessary. We want this to be a living document,” he said.
Highlights of the plan’s objectives are:
- Providing superior financial and fiduciary oversight of investments and operations, which will ensure increased financial support for the University
- Being a strong steward of donor funds, fostering enhanced credibility with donors and the public at large
- Providing an enlightened and meaningful tenure for trustees so that they can advocate effectively for the University
- Working with the University to promote research and intellectual technology transfer
- Collaborating with the University to enhance the sense of community on and around the University’s campuses
- Supporting the development efforts of the University
Officers Named
In other action, the board:
- Named the following officers for the 2009 fiscal year: chair: Chuck Sullivan (Bus ’59), retired chairman & CEO of Interstate Bakeries; vice chair: Greg Kopan, president of Beacon Financial, LLC; treasurer: Anne Marie Riley, director of pension management of the Dana Corporation; and secretary: Hussien Shousher (Eng ‘81), president & CEO of Gem International Inc.
- Recognized outgoing trustees Julia Orwig, Jeff Traudt and Mike Todak for their years of service to the Foundation.