By Dianah Hidzir
Looking around the Western campus, the famous plaza with the golden Griffon statue, the Spratt Stadium with a 2,500 square-foot displaying the largest scoreboard in the MIAA division and a grand ballroom called the Fulkerson center can all be seen.
None of these landmarks would have existed if it weren’t for the dedication of Jerry Pickman, the Vice President of University Advancement and the Executive Director of the Missouri Western Foundation.
Drawing from these two important positions on campus, Pickman serves on behalf of the President’s Cabinet providing reports of the operations of the university advancement division. This includes four key departments that are essential for the university to hold its title: public relations and marketing, the institute’s development and fundraising, alumni relations and campus printing and design.
He is also the main personnel that supports the mission of the university itself, taking care of the separation between the private and public dollars for the development of Western. Pickman works with eight other committees that are responsible for dealing with donor relations and running the investments and distributions of the funds received by Western.
One milestone that emphasizes his career is managing the institute’s assets that started at $4,000 then making it grow to over $50 million in the last year. This, of course, involves a lot of strategy and commitment.
“The list of tasks that I take care of from day-to-day differs from each other very much,” Pickman said. “We talk about several various projects in all the meetings that I attend, and the people that I work with have definitely become a great addition to what I do.”
Executive Administrative Associate of University Advancement Jenny Sherlock reiterated what it’s like to be operating such an important role on campus with Pickman.
“Jerry has a wonderful personality and easily gets along with everyone,” Sherlock said. “He has built many strong relationships with donors and community members which have been very beneficial to the university and foundation.”
As a 1985 graduate of Western, Pickman decided to return 14 years ago because he believes in the mission of the university. His passion for the school, its programs and goals is not only seen in his successes, but the way he interacts with his faculty.
“He is a wonderful person to work for,” Sherlock said. “He keeps his employees at the forefront of his obligations and is always thinking of ways to improve the work environment.”
As a person who is absolutely adored on campus, Pickman never misses a chance to say a few words to inspire the Griffon nation. He says that the best way for growing students to carry their lives in college is to be themselves.
“Enjoy life and take risks,” Pickman said. “You don’t want to have regrets. If you have opportunities come your way, take them and always be a lifelong learner. Cherish your relationships, because that’s what life is really all about.”
