Dingman said that while the Office of Alumni Affairs and Development does a good job training individuals in how to solicit funds for the University, a good Dean of the College would already be comfortable with the art of schmoozing donors.

In these solicitations, Dingman said, “What you need is familiarity with the College and knowledge of who you are talking to. Someone with more years spent in the role definitely has an advantage, and personality is a big factor.”

Dingman said that the fundraising College Dean also “has to be good at making people comfortable, has to be a good listener, and has to speak with energy.”

And, according to Lassonde, the next College Dean can also contribute to the campaign by presenting potential donors with a coherent vision of the College’s purpose.

“We need someone who is able to articulate the values and goals of the College and understands how it works...A whole deal of personal appeal is involved as well, as we are trying to persuade,” Lassonde said.

Musing on a potential successor, Pfister said that the next College Dean’s most important role in the capital campaign will be to ably direct the College’s everyday operations to present a good face to alumni.

“I think the main thing is for alumni to feel like the College is in good hands,” Pfister said. “Maybe it doesn’t make much of a difference whose hands, but good hands.”

—Staff writer Michelle Denise L. Ferreol can be reached at michelle.ferreol@thecrimson.com. Follow her on Twitter @michiferreol.

—Staff writer Jared T. Lucky can be reached at jared.lucky@thecrimson.com. Follow him on Twitter @jared_lucky.