Douglas, Fischer honored by Triad’s Association of Fundraising Professionals
Spartans Mae Douglas and Beth Fischer were honored on this year’s National Philanthropy Day. Each year the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Triad Chapter recognizes individuals, businesses, and organizations from across the region for their philanthropic contributions that “Change the Triad with a Giving Heart.”
UNCG alumna and Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees Mae Douglas ’73 received the Outstanding Philanthropist-Greensboro Award, which honors exceptional civic responsibility and significant philanthropic contributions within the larger Greensboro community. Douglas serves on the Board of Directors of Cone Health and the Cone Health Foundation.
She devotes countless hours of her time to an array of nonprofit boards and committees, including United Way of Greater Greensboro, Gateway Research Park, Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro Advisory Committee, and the M & F Bank Greensboro City Advisory Board. In 2020 she received the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce’s ATHENA award for professional excellence, community service, and assistance to other women in attaining their own professional goals and leadership skills.
As a UNCG trustee, Douglas is the liaison to the Moss Street Partnership School Advisory Board, and, in her role as a member of UNCG’s Light the Way campaign cabinet, she is instrumental to the University’s efforts to raise funds for additional need-based scholarships.
“Mae is an outstanding role model for UNCG students and young people community-wide,” says Chancellor Franklin D. Gilliam, Jr. “We are proud to claim her as an alumna and trustee and to have supported her nomination for this well-deserved award.”
Nominated by UNCG Board of Trustees Chair Betsy Oakley, Vice Chancellor of University Advancement Beth Fischer received the Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award, given to an individual whose work for a nonprofit or charitable organization has enhanced philanthropy in their community. While Fischer is the award recipient, she notes, “This award really belongs to everyone at UNCG. It’s part of the University’s culture to build meaningful, long-term relationships.”
Fischer leads UNCG’s efforts to raise money from alumni, businesses, foundations, and friends to create motivation for excellence and momentum for change on campus, in our city, and across our state. She is responsible for – and passionate about – cultivating a wide variety of partnerships across the University, the Triad, and beyond.
As head of Advancement, Fischer motivates others to become involved with philanthropy by exemplifying the business, civic, and community leadership that defines winners of this award. A two-time Business Journal outstanding women in business award recipient, she serves on the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, proving her dedication to the future growth of the University, the success of UNCG graduates, and the prosperity of the region. She has previously volunteered her services to both the Triad and Charlotte AFP Chapters. In Charlotte, she held the role of chapter chair and chaired the National Philanthropy Day committee.
Fischer currently spearheads UNCG’s Light the Way campaign, a $200M effort to strengthen the University’s mission of access, excellence, and impact for the future. As of October 31, more than 73% of the campaign’s goal has been met.
Says Chancellor Gilliam, “Beth Fischer’s excellent work builds and nurtures relationships that promote UNCG’s mission and secure philanthropic support. She has made a huge difference at our University in her four years as vice chancellor, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award.”
A Gold Sponsor of the 2022 National Philanthropy Day Celebration, UNCG selected Laura B. Tew ’69 and Christopher C. Tew ’69 for the “Spirit of Philanthropy” award in recognition of their ongoing support and dedication to the University.