August 01, 2007
Heather Falat joins SIU Foundation staff
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Heather M. Falat, a native of Murphysboro, has been hired as the assistant director of annual giving. She assumed her new role on July 23. Falat will assist the director of annual giving in overseeing various aspects of the Foundation's annual giving operation, which includes hiring, training and supervision of 70 student callers who contact SIU alumni and friends nationwide to generate financial support of University. Contributions to the annual fund support a variety of University programs, activities and scholarship opportunities.
The annual fund serves as a vehicle in the Foundation's comprehensive campaign, Opportunity Through Excellence, which seeks to secure more than $100 million to support the people, places, and programs of the University by June 2008.
"I am excited to serve in the position of assistant director of annual giving," Falat says. "As a student telemarketer here at the Foundation, I understand firsthand the importance of this role. In addition, I have significant passion for this University. I am proud to be a Saluki and look forward to this opportunity of enhancing SIU's future."
Falat is familiar with annual giving. She joined the SIU Foundation's student telemarketing team in 2005, and became a member of the $50,000 Club as a result of her fundraising success. Falat transferred to Southern from California State University in Los Angeles, where she also served as a lead caller and student supervisor in the annual giving department.
Nanditha Balasubramanian, associate director of institutional advancement and director of annual giving, says Falat's experience and knowledge will assist the Foundation in achieving its fundraising goals.
"Heather was a highly successful student telemarketer throughout her undergraduate career. Her background will be an asset to us," she says.