The Ethiopian Academy of Sciences (EAS), in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa, has launched a three-day training workshop on “Endowment Fund Management and Alumni Engagement”. The program, held at the Hilton Hotel from November 3-5 2025, 2025, is part of the broader collaborative initiative titled “Supporting the Transition of Ethiopia’s Public Universities to Autonomous Governance.”
In his opening remarks, Prof. Belay Kasa, President of the EAS, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the workshop. He noted that this workshop on endowment fund management and alumni engagement is a component of a comprehensive two-year initiative designed to support the transition of Ethiopia’s public universities towards autonomous governance.
Prof. Belay added that the workshop is designed to build practical understanding and tools that support universities in developing sustainable endowments and stronger alumni networks. Over the three days, sessions will cover donor stewardship, annual giving, communication strategies, endowment structures, and the broader value of alumni as partners in resource mobilization and institutional development.
Prof. Belay emphasized that the EAS is dedicated to providing ongoing support throughout this process, extending beyond the current workshop. The EAS is committed to developing the necessary structures and strategies to enhance alumni engagement and endowment management in the coming months.
Dr. Jonathan Koehler, the Public Diplomacy Officer at the U.S. Embassy, began his remarks by emphasizing the nearly seven-decade partnership between the United States and Ethiopia. This long-standing collaboration has played a crucial role in advancing Ethiopia’s higher education sector and represents a significant milestone in their joint efforts dating back to the 1950s.
He added that since 2020, the U.S. Embassy has significantly increased its support for Ethiopia’s higher education, allocating nearly $1.3 million in public diplomacy funding to this vital area.
The event convened a distinguished assembly of accomplished leaders from Ethiopian universities, complemented by esteemed international experts. Among the notable speakers were Dr. Ty Ropp, Vice President of Development at Oklahoma State University, and Dr. Walter McCollum, President of the Fulbright Association.
Both speakers possess extensive experience in the realm of higher education transformation. Their profound knowledge encompasses areas such as:
- Advancement strategies
- Donor engagement practices
- University development initiatives
This gathering provided an invaluable opportunity for participants to benefit from their insights and expertise, fostering meaningful discussions on the future of higher education. The workshop convened university presidents, vice presidents & academic leaders from 10 Ethiopian research and applied sciences universities to strengthen leadership capabilities & promote transformative initiatives across the nation’s higher education sector.
On Day 1, the program begins with an overview of the importance of advancement and alumni engagement. This is followed by a fireside chat and discussions on building trust and effective communication.
Day 2 focuses on alumni segmentation, annual giving, and the fundamentals of endowments, culminating in a hands-on design-thinking exercise. Tomorrow, on Day 3, the agenda will cover endowment policy, share sector experiences, and involve group work where each team will develop and present its own alumni giving program.
