First Day Podcast

In this celebratory episode of "The First Day from the Fund Raising School," host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. welcomes Lilya Wagner, Ed.D., CFRE, a pioneer in the world of professional fundraising, as they commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Fund Raising School. Lilya reflects on her early days in the profession, particularly when she transitioned from teaching to become Vice President for Advancement. She shares anecdotes from her first courses in the 1980s, taught by industry leader Hank Rosso, and emphasizes how far the field has come in gaining professional respect, credibility, and adopting ethical practices. A significant part of the conversation focuses on the evolution of fundraising as a respected profession, both in the U.S. and globally. Lilya notes that discussions about whether fundraisers are merely technicians or professionals started decades ago and have led to the establishment of formal training and standards. She highlights how the Fund Raising School has played a key role in promoting