64 DEANS AND DEVELOPMENT on the couple’s wishes, the central Development Office may be helpful in choreographing a dance that involves both members of a couple, two deans, and two college development officers. In such an instance, it will take time and delicate negotiation to create a major gift proposal, but the donors appreciate the coordination and the respect shown to the totality of their interests. (JCH) The other dean and I have coordinated our efforts, often with central development to facilitate the conversations. When one such couple (he, a real estate developer and she, a writer, both from modest backgrounds) made it clear that they shared a common passion for helping others rise above economic hardship, we crafted a joint proposal that includes funding for major scholarship and outreach initiatives in both colleges. Similar situations arise within the college. Department chairs must be prepared for the possibility that a relationship that they have brought forward and cultivated may ultimately be to another’s benefit. One cannot say too often that it is all to the good of the college and the University. One way of mitigating such disappointments is to offer donors a full spectrum of department-level and college-level opportuni- ties. A college-level scholarship fund and a fund for visiting scholars and artists, for example, benefit all departments. Creating a culture of devel- opment throughout the college will inform and sensitize department chairs and faculty members to the realities and nuances of fundraising. Working with the development officer, departments should be encouraged to take advantage of noteworthy events and anniversaries to bring attention to their activities and energize their supporters and alums. Your officer can meet with the chair and key members of the department to discuss an action plan: enlisting a departmental advisory board, organizing a special event, cultivating key prospects. Emeritus faculty can often be among the most powerful advocates and promoters of the department, having (usually) greater time to devote to special projects and (often) a large cohort of alumni contacts.