Brinton Vincent
Director of Donor Engagement and Stewardship 
Augustana College

1. What kind of organization are you doing donor relations in right now?

I oversee donor relations and stewardship at a private, liberal arts college in the Midwest.

2. What’s a donor relations topic you’re always happy to talk about?

I'm always happy to talk about managing endowed scholarships and engaging students in our meaningful work.

3. What donor relations practice did you stop doing—and why?

We stopped stewarding donors through giving societies. We thank donors in the same ways we did with societies; however, now we can omit words like "membership" and "as part of the President's Society."

4. What’s one donor relations decision that didn’t work—and what did it teach you?

Recognizing donors who achieved their million-dollar lifetime giving milestone during Homecoming. These donors needed more attention, and this drove us to finally put together an alumni and friends recognition dinner in May 2026. Now, we are combining two events that needed more attention outside of Homecoming: our Alumni Awards and lifetime donor recognition.