RCAF

[BBcajun]

Changes are inevitable in any organization. It's my understanding that Hans was offered an opportunity at Middle Tennessee that is more in line with the career path he has envisioned for himself.

Your understanding is accurate. An opportunity he could not pass up...both for him & his family

[SMD7636]

RCAF annual reports and facilities master plans, during the previous administration, gave us details of our growth and status among conference peers. The current newsletters & annuals reports are filled with useless generic information that rarely inspire me to donate more. Isn’t that the point of RCAF? A few years ago, RCAF made the structure more complicated and therefore difficult to donate. I believe the RCAF board should do a poll for additional feedback and growth ideas from its members. Creating an ineffective concierge program for specific level donors does not support the RCAF mission and only further divides our fan base. All of Cajun Nation, including future donors, deserve to be treated with southern Ragin’ Cajun hospitality.

Our athletic administration does 2 things consistently and that is to verbally thank current donors/season ticket holders and ask fans to donate $50, the bare minimum. The bar is set low for this fan base or high with million $ “ask” for Cajun Field. What about the middle level donors? How can we engage all of Cajun Nation and bring back hope for the future of Louisiana Athletics?

[Cajunsmike]

As mentioned, the RCAF needs a strategic overhaul. It starts with the alumni in the Lafayette Metro. The individuals that are most likely to engage with UL athletics. What is the communication strategy to engage them? What are we doing to engage recent graduates? What steps are being taken to get current students to attend athletic events so that they are willing to donate down the road? The RCAF is about generating cash flow for UL athletics. Money from donors in the under $1,000 pool spends the same as those donating over $1,000.

This isn't rocket science, but the effort must be measured and continuous. This is where the RCAF has fallen short.

In the recent podcast interview with Jay Walker, Dr. Maggard says they are looking at a restructuring of the RCAF organization. In their defense, focus in recent months had to be on the big guys as that is who is needed for the stadium refurbish. Moving forward, I agree we need to grow the bottom of the pyramid.

[SMD7636]

RCAF needs Hud type enthusiasm.

[mxpxfr690]

Is RCAF a full time position or is it a side gig?

[Turbine]

Until the RCAF is fully independant of the alumni association, I don't see it reaching its full potential .

[ZoomZoom]

Until the RCAF is fully independant of the alumni association, I don't see it reaching its full potential .

That was the biggest concern when RCAF formed. In that respect, we USL’ed it. The Fossil lives. 100% independence doesn’t exist if everything ties back to the university.

Need to get RCAF up and running or once again, our funding raising arms will become like “The Ragin Cajun Club”.

In the time of NIL, independent operations are important in case something goes sideways.

[WestUCajun]

Until the RCAF is fully independant of the alumni association, I don't see it reaching its full potential .

It is. The RCAF has a director that reports to Advancement Department headed by John Blohm. The Alumni Association also has a director that reports to John. both are quasi-independent 501C3 non-profit organizations affiliated with the University. Another organization is the Foundation, which is another 501C3 whose CEO is John Blohm. All three organizations collaborate with each other but are definitely independent of each other. Also, none of these organizations will ever be fully independent of the university Dept of Advancement under the current UL administration.
Being fully independent is not the key for the RCAF or the Alumni Association to reach its full potential, having the right director leading each organization is.

[Turbine]

It is. The RCAF has a director that reports to Advancement Department headed by John Blohm. The Alumni Association also has a director that reports to John. both are quasi-independent 501C3 non-profit organizations affiliated with the University. Another organization is the Foundation, which is another 501C3 whose CEO is John Blohm. All three organizations collaborate with each other but are definitely independent of each other. Also, none of these organizations will ever be fully independent of the university Dept of Advancement under the current UL administration.
Being fully independent is not the key for the RCAF or the Alumni Association to reach its full potential, having the right director leading each organization is.

Has John Blohm demanded growth?

RCAF was right at 1,500 members in 2012.

[WestUCajun]

Has John Blohm demanded growth?

RCAF was right at 1,500 members in 2012.

Not sure because I don't know what metrics the RCAF staff are measured by.

[Boomer]

It is. The RCAF has a director that reports to Advancement Department headed by John Blohm. The Alumni Association also has a director that reports to John. both are quasi-independent 501C3 non-profit organizations affiliated with the University. Another organization is the Foundation, which is another 501C3 whose CEO is John Blohm. All three organizations collaborate with each other but are definitely independent of each other. Also, none of these organizations will ever be fully independent of the university Dept of Advancement under the current UL administration.
Being fully independent is not the key for the RCAF or the Alumni Association to reach its full potential, having the right director leading each organization is.

…….THANK YOU….been trying for a very long time to explain this and how we actually save money on employees, computers, and any other overhead costs!

[fanof71]

In the recent podcast interview with Jay Walker, Dr. Maggard says they are looking at a restructuring of the RCAF organization. In their defense, focus in recent months had to be on the big guys as that is who is needed for the stadium refurbish. Moving forward, I agree we need to grow the bottom of the pyramid.

Needs a complete overhaul...marketing wise.