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FLC Foundation director leaves for Mesa Verde

More than $6.5 million raised
Gray

Fort Lewis College is losing one of its key players as Margie Deane Gray, who served as executive director and senior gift adviser with its foundation, will leave at the end of the year to take over the executive directorship of the Mesa Verde Foundation.

“I did hope we could have her for a few more years for the continuation of the geosciences, engineering and physics project,” said FLC President Dene Kay Thomas, talking about the project that will receive about $31 million from the state but will require private fundraising to raise an additional $4.5 million. “But I wish her so very well, and the Mesa Verde Foundation is a nice chance to play to her strengths.”

Gray began her association with FLC as the executive director of the Extended Studies Program – now Continuing Education – before moving over to the foundation in 2008.

Among her contributions, she:

Raised more than $6.5 million for the college, much of it during the recession.

Developed the Continuing Education program, which had been allowed to lapse.

Worked with the foundation’s board and staff to create the first strategic plan for the foundation.

Started an online giving process.

Created a plan to reach out to FLC alumni around the country with personal visits.

Developed a monthly e-newsletter sent to more than 10,000 alumni and supporters.

Oversaw the fundraising efforts for the Student Union capital campaign.

Developed and published the Fort Lewis College centennial book in 2011.

Created and hosted a weekly radio program on public radio station KDUR-FM to highlight community members who play a role in the success of the college.

“She is everyone’s friend and social director,” Thomas said. “She knows so many people and introduced me to so many people when I came. And during the Student Union project, the major gifts from individual donors like Jim Foster, the Ballantines and Terry Bacon were all Margie’s work.”

Gray is scheduled to begin her new job Jan. 7.

“I wanted to be sure to touch base personally with our donors before leaving Fort Lewis,” she said. “I guess the thing I’m most proud of is having developed a close, trusting relationship with our donors and our community. The support I’ve received through the years has been extraordinary.”

The Mesa Verde Foundation is a National Park Service partner organization that raises money for projects at Mesa Verde in addition to those appropriated by Congress. In recent years, the foundation has acquired and donated the land at the entrance to the park where the new Visitor and Research Center is located; funded the design and engineering of the center; helped fund the restoration of the historic backcountry horse patrols of the park; and, in partnership with the National Park Foundation, funded the stabilization study for Mesa Verde’s iconic Cliff Palace.

“My first task will be to convince Durangoans that Mesa Verde is our national park, too,” she said. “Most people don’t understand what it contributes to our economy and our culture.”

abutler@durangoherald.com



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