CLP 08 Day 22 Saturday June 21

College Leaders Program Class of 2008
Day 22—Saturday, June 21, 2008
Reported by LaThaniel Kirts of Morehouse College

    Today began with pain and agony. I woke up in extreme soreness from playing football the night before. As I limped around the room I realized that it was 11:46 and I had had the most sleep that I have ever had since I arrived at Sorensen. I ate my Bodo’s bagel and watched CNN. This was the first time in a week that I had watched the news. I turned to my roommate and I asked, “Did you know that there was I flood in the Midwest?” Sorensen had officially beaten out of me any desire to keep up with current events. Too lazy and pained to walk to class, I decided to catch a ride with Sarah.
    Arriving to class on time and in style, I rushed to meet the highly successful Karen Kolber. After a brief conversation with her about her personal life, I introduced her.
    As I observed her 3 hour lecture, I learned several key things about fundraising. Here are the main things that I learned: 1) “No” = Not Now, 2) don’t take fundraising personally, 3) the most important things in campaigns are “Time and Money,” 4) look for donors by “Proximity and Prosperity”, and 5) know the “Elements of the Ask.”
    After the presentation, I spoke briefly to Ms. Kolber thanking her for her wisdom and generosity. She told me to give her a call for an opportunity in her organization. That afternoon I had arrived to class with a limp, but sauntered out with the chance of a lifetime.

—LaThaniel Kirts, Norfolk
    Morehouse College Class of 2010
    College Leaders Program Class of 2008