University Advancement
A Fond Farewell
After 25 years of service to Lander University, Eleanor Shiflet Teal is retiring effective June 30. The vice president for University Advancement and executive director of The Lander Foundation is shown here with Lander President Dr. Daniel Ball, who said, “Eleanor Teal embodies all that is fi ne and good about this university. Yes, she led us through the most successful fundraising campaign in Lander’s history, but more importantly, she has set the standard for building successful relationships with our students, our alumni and our donors. She is never too busy to help a constituent, she is always gracious and she sincerely loves Lander. Her impact on this university will be felt for years to come.” |
'A Lifetime's Not Too Long to Live as Friends'
It was Lander’s Homecoming. The Alumni Association Board met early that Feb. 16 morning, and during the Alumni Association Awards Luncheon, my comments (which I had struggled to put together) were given after the introduction of the Alumni Award recipients. I mentioned how appropriate this year’s Homecoming theme, “Flash-back,” was for me. Remembering the last 25 years and the unbelievable experiences I’ve had at Lander University, most of which have been extremely rewarding, is exactly what I’ve been doing since my retirement date is fast approaching.
In my lifetime, I’ve really been blessed with two careers that are
shockingly similar: a stay-at-home mom and a university administrator. Both are time-consuming
(certainly not 8-to-5 jobs), both require dedication, commitment and hard work, and both are very
rewarding.
Some professional rewards, achieved only due to your help, include the
following: the university’s largest fund-raising effort surpassed its campaign goal; the
scholarship program has increased substantially; essential property has been acquired for expansion
of the university’s entrance, for construction of a new residence hall, for parking lots, and for
the new recreation, wellness, and athletic complex; the Foundation’s endowment has grown
significantly; and the percentage of alumni giving has more than doubled. These are only a few of
the accomplishments that you have helped us achieve and we are very grateful for your support.
Flashbacks of rewarding experiences are many, but the most rewarding part
of my time at Lander has been in building wonderful relationships with our students, alumni,
President Dan Ball and the President’s Council, Marjorie Ball, former presidents and first ladies,
faculty, staff, board members and friends of the university. Many of these relationships have
developed into friendships that will last a lifetime.
Which brings me back to Lander’s Homecoming and the special alumni and
Lander friends in attendance and the entertainment, the song “Friends are friends forever ... a
lifetime’s not too long to live as friends,” which turned out to be a tribute to me. Thank you,
University Advancement area staff, you are the best!
Thank you, everyone who is reading this message and has touched my life in
a special way. I will miss interacting with you from this desk; how-ever, while enjoying the
benefits of retirement, I will stay involved with Lander, my alma mater.
Adam Taylor will do a
great job as your new vice president for Advancement. He is a Lander alum, and I look forward to
watching him lift the Advancement Area to another level. Please give him your support, and always
remember ... “Lander University is an investment with great returns.”
Sincerely,
Eleanor S. Teal
Vice president for University Advancement and
Executive Director of the Lander Foundation