110 DEANS AND DEVELOPMENT Conclusion This chapter attempts to provide constructive insights and advice about successful fundraising from the perspective of two deans who have been relatively effective in this arena, but recognize that there is no magic wand you can wave to create success. The examples presented here and throughout this book are good models for development. The funda- mental strategies presented here can be adapted to your own college and institution. Build a college vision, set strategic priorities that align with those established by your institution, build relationships with your alumni and community, and be open to promising ideas. Under- stand that there will be bumps along the way and lots of things to think about, but the keys to success are persistence, patience, and promoting the liberal arts as a way of institutionalizing your college and univer- sity. It works because so much about what our faculty and students are doing speaks directly to the passions and values of our graduates and community supporters that connect to the overall importance and value of the liberal arts. Those who generously support institutions of higher education truly recognizetheroleourinstitutionshaveintheintrinsicvalueoftheliberal arts. In the words of Mark William Roche, “Society has an interest in colleges and universities as institutions of formation because vocation and responsibility are not simply private matters; they involve an act of reaching out toward a larger whole. Investing in educating promising students at liberal arts colleges, or at other institutions that celebrate learning opportunities commonly associated with a liberal arts educa- tion, enables the development of young persons who are likely to have a leavening effect on the larger society (Why Choose the Liberal Arts, p 147).” Those who invest in our institutions understand this, and the benefits to your college and community will be realized in perpetuity.