Bornstein Honored with CASE Distinguished Service Award

Rollins College President Emerita Rita Bornstein has been chosen as the 2012 E. Burr Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award winner. The award, presented by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), honors individuals who have made a significant and lasting impact on the field of institutional advancement.

A nationally recognized leader in higher education and the advancement profession, Bornstein served as the president of Rollins College from 1990 to 2004, and was the first woman to hold that office. During her 14-year tenure, she guided the fundraising effort that raised more than $160 million for academic programs, scholarships, faculty chairs, and facilities. Under Bornstein's leadership, Rollins focused on strengthening its commitment to excellence, innovation, and community. Standards were raised for faculty evaluation, student selectivity, and all aspects of administration. Bornstein was elected chair of the CASE Board of Trustees in 2005.

“Rita has served higher education with distinction for more than 35 years,” said CASE President John Lippincott. “She has written and spoken extensively on the important relationship between academic leaders and advancement professionals. She has been a pioneer and role model, first as a woman who moved into the top ranks of advancement and then as an advancement professional who moved into a presidency.”

“As chair of the CASE Board of Trustees from 2005 to 2007, Rita championed ethical practice and CASE’s expansion into the Asia-Pacific region,” Lippincott added. “Perhaps most important, however, is her work as a mentor to countless advancement and academic professionals alike. She is a true leader and friend to the profession.”

Bornstein was one of six recipients recognized at this year’s award luncheon during the CASE Summit for Leaders in Advancement on July 16 in Washington, D.C.

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