The Journal

Issue date: 3/29/07 Section: News

Viehmann

Russell Viehmann, vice president of development and alumni programs, is retiring from the university after 11 years. A retirement party was held March 23 in the University Center Sunnen Lounge to celebrate his career.


"I've done this for a long time and I'm ready for a change," Viehmann said. "I've really enjoyed management and working with people."


Viehmann, 60, grew up in St. Louis and attended the Normandy School District. He attended Westminster in Fulton where he received a bachelor's degree in sociology. He later attended Eden Seminary where he earned a master's degree in divinity. In addition to his career at Webster, he has been a minister in the United Church since 1973.


Before coming to Webster, Viehmann was employed by Eden Seminary from 1973 to 1984, where he worked in admissions, public relations and fundraising. Viehmann also was employed by Saint Louis University from 1985 to 1996, where he worked with major fundraising and plan giving.


During his time at Webster, Viehmann has helped create future construction plans for the university and helped improve the relationship between the university and alumni.


"I was hired to launch the university's first campaign," Viehmann said.


The New Tradition Campaign (1996 to 2005) raised funds to build the Emerson Library, the parking garage and backstage dance area of the Loretto-Hilton Center. During the campaign, Viehmann's team raised more than $43 million¬ - $13 million over the $30 million campaign goal.


In the New Tradition Campaign, 13 seven-figure gifts were given to the university. One of the largest donors to Webster was a graduate of Washington University who admired the education program. The university has yet to receive an eight-figure gift. Recently, the university began fundraising in Europe and has raised $1.5 million.


"It's more relational than it is business practice," Viehmann said.


Though he majored in sociology, Viehmann said part of his job includes being with people and pairing donors who have the same interests.


"I'm asking for money and that's not cool," Viehmann said. "The real challenge is to get people engaged."


Viehmann said the university once had a mindset that enrollment management should be getting people in the door, but it has changed into a lifelong relationship. The relationship between the university and students has improved to include a senior class gift project and a parent newsletter.

Continued...

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