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opportunity to invest in a person or a program that matches their
passion. When that happens—when you know you’ve helped that
donor make something wonderful happen—it’s a good day.
Q: What causes do you support in your personal life?
A: These days, my time is spent with my sorority, Delta Zeta. In
my role as president of our national foundation, I am privileged to
lead a simply incredible group of women who are committed to
the part of our creed that calls us to “give graciously.” My gifts to the
Delta Zeta Foundation provide leadership training for our collegiate
members and help bring the gift of hearing to the world through
our partnership with the Starkey Hearing Foundation. I’m also
chairing the building committee for the new Delta Zeta house at the
University of Alabama. The old saying “sorority can be more than
four” has certainly been true for me, and I surely get back more than
I give.
Q: Any parting thoughts?
A: 1. Every gift, no matter the amount, makes an impact on
Birmingham-Southern College. The collective power of giving
transforms the lives of students now, and prepares them to lead
and serve for the rest of their lives. So every gift really does make a
difference.
2. Donors always drive. By honoring their intentions, we honor
their generosity.
Virginia Gilbert Loftin started her new position as the college’s
vice president of advancement and communications on Aug. 1. She
has 20 years of experience in higher education, most recently as the
head of communications strategy for UAB’s $18 billion campaign.
Dr. Sara Helms Robicheaux ‘97, who had been serving as interim
vice president of advancement, returned to the classroom and to her
primary role as dean of BSC’s business programs. We sat down to
ask Loftin a few questions in her rst week.
Q: What are you most excited about as you jump into your
new position at Birmingham-Southern?
A: First and foremost, I’m excited to work with BSC President
Linda Flaherty-Goldsmith. Her leadership has already made great
things happen, and I’m honored to join her team and help make
her vision a reality. Second, my daughter’s four years at Centre
College were transformative for her, as were the four years my
nephew, Parks Gilbert ’07, spent at Birmingham-Southern, so I’m
a true believer in the power of this kind of educational experience.
And nally, Birmingham is my hometown, and I grew up in the
United Methodist Church, so I’ve always known Birmingham-
Southern plays an important role in our city’s intellectual and
cultural growth. I’m excited to play a role in the college’s future as
leader of our fundraising and communications strategy.
Q: If you could tell BSC supporters one thing to inspire
them, what would it be?
A: This place rocks! Seriously—these students, this faculty, this
environment for learning (and for learning to think, which is at the
core of a liberal arts education) … these are the elements that make
the college such a remarkable place. But our alumni know that,
because they lived it during their years on the Hilltop. So I would
invite them to visit us, rst in their memories and then whenever
possible in person, because even though some things may have
changed since they were students, the spirit of learning and service
wrapped up in a highly personalized vibe is still very much present
in 2017. They’ll feel it again when they set foot on the campus. And
when we call to set up a visit with alums, they can expect us to bring
that spirit with us.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of fundraising?
A: Without question, it’s giving donors a way to make something
happen that they nd personally meaningful. Fundraising is not
about asking for money. It’s about hearing someone’s story, nding
out what they care deeply about, and then offering them the
Harnessing the
transformational
power of giving