PULLMAN, Wash. – Chrissy Shelton, a Washington State University College of Education staff member, has won a regional 2013 Rising Star Award from the international Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).The annual award from the CASE District VIII Board honors fundraising professionals who have three to five years of experience in the advancement profession.
Shelton joined the WSU Foundation in 2008. Tasked with building a culture of philanthropy among faculty, staff and students, she created the Cougar Colleagues program. That led to a comprehensive branding and engagement strategy for WSU campus communities and an increase in giving during a time of budget crisis. She also built the Recent Graduate program, the first of its kind for the university.
Shelton joined the WSU Foundation in 2008. Tasked with building a culture of philanthropy among faculty, staff and students, she created the Cougar Colleagues program. That led to a comprehensive branding and engagement strategy for WSU campus communities and an increase in giving during a time of budget crisis. She also built the Recent Graduate program, the first of its kind for the university.
She became assistant director of development at the College of Education in 2011.
“Chrissy’s strengths include her ability to establish realistic expectations with donors and prospects,” said Kim Holapa, director of development for the college. “Her humor and strong sense of self allow her to communicate with donors and colleagues in a sincere and honest manner, which is a foundational component of good development work.”
Shelton is a 1999 liberal arts graduate of WSU.
This year’s other Rising Star Award winner is Kurt Heimbigner, director of marketing services for the Gonzaga University Marketing and Communications Department. The awards will be presented at the CASE District VIII conference in February.