The Full Story
At Texas State University, the Presidential Suite on game day has always been a special place—a chance to gather top supporters, celebrate Bobcat pride, and deepen relationships with key stakeholders. But heading into the 2024 season, the advancement team knew they wanted to do more than just send invites and fill seats. They wanted to create an experience that felt personal, strategic, and unmistakably Texas State.
Instead of sticking with the usual emails and phone calls, they decided to reimagine their approach entirely. Working with their MarComm partners, they captured a casual, heartfelt invitation video featuring President Kelly and First Lady Beth Damphousse—joined by beloved mascot Boko. No scripts, no stuffy speeches—just a warm, genuine message recorded right from the Presidential Suite itself. It was an invitation that immediately set the tone: approachable, spirited, and authentically Texas State.
The campaign rollout was a masterclass in using technology to deepen human connection. Personalized ThankView videos landed in the inboxes of 183 high-level alumni, donors, and prospects. Within days, the results started pouring in: a staggering 86.44% open rate and 91 RSVPs, filling the suite for all seven home games, plus key neutral-site games and their bowl game appearance.
But the real magic happened once guests arrived.
From the moment they stepped through the suite doors—greeted by students, handed custom Presidential Suite cups, and welcomed with two simple rules (“Cheer loud for the Bobcats” and “Don’t go home hungry”)—it was clear this wasn’t just another donor event. It was a dynamic, personal experience built around pride, community, and connection.
The team intentionally designed every detail to reflect Texas State’s spirit. The first half of each game featured formal meals (like prime rib and tomahawk steaks) with Texas twists, while halftime ushered in fun comfort foods like walking tacos and Boko River Floats—signature drinks inspired by the San Marcos River.
Behind the scenes, gift officers used real-time data integration between ThankView and Raiser’s Edge to act quickly, knowing exactly who had engaged and who needed a follow-up nudge. That flow of information turned casual suite conversations into strategic fundraising wins – including a seven-figure gift signed right there during a home game.
This wasn’t just about filling a room—it was about redefining what Presidential stewardship could look like: personalized, joyful, data-driven, and impactful.
As Vice President of Advancement Brooks Hull put it, the Presidential Suite wasn’t just about offering great seats – it was about creating an environment where donors knew exactly why they were invited, felt seen and appreciated, and left with a deeper, lasting connection to Texas State.
Looking ahead, the advancement team is already gearing up for the next season, kicking off planning earlier than ever and leaning into the powerful combination of creativity, authenticity, and data-driven strategy. With the Bobcats’ momentum, the Presidential Suite isn’t just a place to watch the game. It’s become a cornerstone of Texas State’s advancement success story.
