WCU to introduce Maddie, the virtual engagement officer
Maddie, WCU's new virtual engagement officer
By Bill Studenc
There鈥檚 a new member of the Division of Advancement team at 甜瓜视频app, and her name is Maddie.
She doesn鈥檛 have a last name because she doesn鈥檛 need one. Maddie is WCU鈥檚 first-ever virtual engagement officer, a non-human avatar powered by artificial intelligence.
鈥淢addie, who is named in honor of WCU founder Robert Lee Madison, represents a bold step into the future of alumni and donor engagement,鈥� said James Hogan, assistant vice chancellor for engagement. 鈥淪he joins us at an especially important time in WCU history during our ongoing 鈥楩ill the Western Sky鈥� comprehensive fundraising campaign.鈥�
The campaign, which entered its public phase earlier this year, is an effort to raise a minimum of $100 million in philanthropic support for the university鈥檚 academic, student engagement and athletics programs. Only the third comprehensive fundraising campaign in WCU鈥檚 136 years of existence, 鈥淔ill the Western Sky鈥� is the first with a significant focus on obtaining financial support for improvements to the university鈥檚 athletics facilities.
Developed in partnership with Givzey, a technology company that works with nonprofit organizations across the nation, Maddie is designed to enhance the donor experience by providing a personalized and interactive connection to the university, Hogan said.
鈥淢addie represents an innovative new way for us to engage with alumni and donors,鈥� he said. 鈥淪he is more than merely an avatar. Maddie also serves as a sort-of digital concierge for all things Western. She will provide campus updates, share opportunities to give and help members of the WCU family stay connected.鈥�
Maddie will roll out during a pilot project scheduled to get underway Thursday, May 1, and Hogan encouraged alumni, donors and friends to get to know her.
鈥淯ser feedback is essential, and we鈥檇 love to hear from as many people as possible about their experiences interacting with Maddie,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat engagement is key to helping her grow and adapt.鈥�
To learn more and get a sneak peek of Maddie in action, visit
