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What do NFL uniforms, graphic design, AI, and multimillion-dollar philanthropy have in common? More than you’d think.

In this episode of The Pickup Meeting, Brody and Kevin sit down with Chandler Vandenberg, Senior Director of Development for Principal Gifts at the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, to talk about the art—and science—of building relationships that lead to transformational impact.

Chandler shares his unexpected journey from graphic design to higher-ed fundraising, why authenticity might be the most valuable skill in advancement, and what institutions get wrong when making the big ask. The crew also digs into how AI is changing fundraising, what the next generation of donors expects, and why sometimes you have to be willing to put a really big number on the table.

Plus, before any of that happens, there are strong opinions about NFL uniforms, the Dallas Cowboys, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and why some classics simply shouldn't be messed with.

In this episode: relationship-building, principal gifts, creative careers, high-performing teams, AI in advancement, the future of higher education—and just enough football trash talk to keep things interesting.

*The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!

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Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at thepickupmeeting@gmail.com!

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