<p>Sorensen turned in key Ohio State campaign goals weeks before death</p>
<p>Business First - by Carrie Ghose
Date: Monday, April 18, 2011, 2:14pm EDT</p>
<p>Andrew Sorensen, Ohio State University’s chief fundraiser, died Sunday at the age of 72.</p>
<p>Just weeks before his death, Andrew Sorensen put in place the outline for Ohio State University’s strategy to raise $2.5 billion by 2016.</p>
<p>Sorensen, 72, died at home Sunday. The two-time university president and longtime friend of Ohio State President Gordon Gee had started in September as senior vice president of development to lead the campaign.</p>
<p>In his final presentation to trustees on April 7, Sorensen outlined the school’s advantages and challenges and laid out goals for increasing first the dollar value and then the number of gifts.</p>
<p>The campaign has been in a hushed planning phase since 2008, though trustees approved moving into an official “quiet” phase in which lead donors are approached. They tasked Sorensen with leading the effort for a strategic plan.</p>
<p>The plan is expected to enter the “public” phase when half the goal is reached, likely fall of 2012.</p>
<p>Ohio State attracted a record 33 commitments of $1 million or more in the year ended June 30, and this year landed its largest-ever $100 million pledge from board Chairman Les Wexner, CEO of Limited Brands Inc.</p>
<p>Sorensen told trustees he wanted to double the level of annual giving to $600 million by 2020. For the campaign, he laid out goals of securing 48 pledges of $5 million to $100 million and 193 of $1 million to $5 million.</p>
<p>In a statement, Gee said Sorensen had become effective quickly by helping match the interests of alumni and other supporters with ongoing work at the university.</p>
<p>“He brought enormous energy, wisdom and wit to his work,” Gee said.</p>
<p>University officials said they would await commenting on an interim replacement and the next steps for the campaign until after Sorensen’s funeral on Tuesday.</p>
<p>Source: <a href=“http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2011/04/18/sorensen-turned-in-key-ohio-state.html[/url]”>http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2011/04/18/sorensen-turned-in-key-ohio-state.html</a></p>
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<p>It’s a truly a sad day for TOSU due to the unexpected passing away of our Chief Campaign Fundraiser - Dr / Pastor Andrew Sorensen. </p>
<p>Fortunately, he had just completed the strategic plan for the school to complete its fundraising goal and also to become #1 fundraising school in the country as outlined by 2020. Still… it’s a sad day for the buckeyes!! God Bless!!</p>