First Day Podcast

In this special 50th-anniversary episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. welcomes Amir Pasic, Ph.D., Dean of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. The discussion begins by reflecting on the Fundraising School’s impactful journey over the past half-century. Dr. Pasic emphasizes the importance of this milestone, noting the School’s significant contributions to the field and the global reach of its alumni, who consistently report increased fundraising success due to their education. Dr. Pasic highlights the symbiotic relationship between higher education and professional development. He recalls how the School’s founder, Henry Rosso, integrated academic research into the curriculum to ensure a robust foundation for practical fundraising skills. This model, unique to the Fundraising School, allows for continuous innovation and adaptation in the field. Dr. Pasic points out that having academic and professional development programs under one roof enables immediate col