Meet the Fundraisers: Kelly Dye and Shannon Fast Plan to Take Orfalea College to the Next Level with Increasing Philanthropic Support

A first-generation college graduate who had to work her way through college, Kelly Dye personally knows the impact that giving can have.

 “As a graduate student, I received a fellowship in my third year that gave me the opportunity to focus solely on my studies, which changed my life,” said Dye, who heads the fundraising efforts at the Orfalea College of Business. “I was able to go to conferences and participate in other scholarly activities that supported my education.”

Dye, the college’s executive director of development and external relations, works closely with Shannon Fast, who became the college’s senior director of corporate relations last winter, in cultivating and maintaining philanthropic relations.

Their efforts, said Dean Damon Fleming, will create new possibilities, enhancing the college’s already strong reputation.

“We have launched several ambitious initiatives to give our students an increasing edge in a competitive workforce,” Fleming said. “Kelly and Shannon are crucial to us achieving these exciting goals, which will prepare our students to have a positive impact on California and beyond.”

Like Dye, Fast brought both university and industry experience to the role.

“Having been on the leadership team for a growing company, needing access to talent and training, and serving on industry associations with fiduciary responsibility, I know the importance of investing in educational programs,” Fast said. “I also know the incredible impact that corporate investments have on our students, faculty and staff, having worked many years now in philanthropy.”

With 20 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, sales, and communications, Dye most recently worked at Cal Poly’s College of Architecture and Environmental Design, where she served as senior director of development. Prior to Cal Poly, Kelly worked at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania for a decade.

Fast arrived from Fresno State University, where she served as director of development for the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology and University Central Development. During her decade at Fresno State, Fast acquired a strong background in CSU fundraising, and her proficiency in identifying, cultivating, and stewarding prospects led to several major gifts for the university.

Also joining the Advancement team is Laurene Kline-McCoy, who was recently hired as development coordinator.

We asked Dye and Fast about their approach to their jobs and fundraising goals for Orfalea College.

What are the college’s overall fundraising goals?

Kelly Dye heads the Orfalea College of Business’s fundraising. (Photo/Jack Sann)

DYE: Our goal is to create a culture of philanthropy where we talk openly about support for Cal Poly, how people find joy in giving: Is it networking, recognition, impact, tax advantages, or something else? Plus, we want to engage our volunteers and ambassadors in meaningful and effective ways.

Most importantly, we have bold aspirations to be leaders in transformational business education with a $55M fundraising plan to support student success, to modernize our learning environments, and to enhance thought leadership.

What are the best ways donors can help?

 DYE: Engage. Donate. Participate. Pay it forward. Share your story. Support our programs, people, places, and community. Help us build better together. Reach out to our office. Anyone who references the title of this article in the comment field when making a gift online will be invited to a special college update from Dean Fleming.

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What are the ways corporations can support the college?

FAST: The Orfalea College of Business is launching, for the first time, a comprehensive Corporate Sponsorship Program that offers a liaison for companies to align corporate goals with that of the college, providing a pathway for a mutually beneficial partnership.

Corporations can donate through traditional avenues, whether it be through mail, online, one-time cash gift, pledged over several years, or a combination of these. Corporations may also participate in matching gift programs.

The Orfalea College of Business also welcomes our corporate partners to visit campus, engage with students through classes and clubs, recruit our highly sought-after students and graduates through career fairs, sponsor events and experiential learning opportunities, and more.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

 DYE: I enjoy offroading in our 1988 Toyota Forerunner – nicknamed Yota – spending time with my spouse, Jason, practicing yoga, and enjoying our two dogs, Griffin and Goose.

Shannon Fast heads the college’s corporate fundraising efforts. (Photo/Jack Sann)

FAST:  I have two amazing adult children and really love supporting them through their own journeys in school, work and life. We enjoy quick trips to Six Flags and longer trips around the world. My Husband, Dennis, and I have two dogs, Drake and Harley, that we road-trip with, especially if it involves four-wheeling in the mountains. But if it’s just me, I’m happiest in my woodworking shop and I love building projects to donate to local charities.

Corporations can donate through traditional avenues, whether it be through mail, online, one-time cash gift, pledged over several years, or a combination of these. Corporations may also participate in matching gift programs.

The Orfalea College of Business also welcomes our corporate partners to visit campus, engage with students through classes and clubs, recruit our highly sought-after students and graduates through career fairs, sponsor events and experiential learning opportunities, and more.

 If you’re interested in supporting or partnering with the Orfalea College of Business, contact Kelly Dye at kedye@calpoly.edu or Shannon Fast at shfast@calpoly.edu.