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Award-winning fundraising recognized

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Those connected with John Brown University probably know of the $118 million raised by the Keeping Faith campaign, which was completed in 2011. Less known is one man, Jim Krall, who was directly responsible for raising $30 million of that money.

Krall, vice president of advancement at the University since 2002, was accepted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals as this year’s Outstanding Fundraising Executive for his work with the University’s fundraising campaign.

This nomination was celebrated Wednesday at the 11th annual Northwest Arkansas National Philanthropy Day luncheon at the John Q. Hammons Convention Center in Rogers. Nominees received their awards and said a few words in response.

Krall said Tuesday he planned to express his thankfulness for the school’s history, generous givers, and supportive board members, as well as for the support of President Chip Pollard, his staff, and his wife, Pam Krall.

“I am thankful for the Lord’s blessings at JBU. Our cup runs over with good things,” said Krall.

Krall was nominated by the University and is the first individual from John Brown University to receive this award, although the school has nominated others in the past.

April Moreton, director of development, said she was responsible for completing the application for nomination.

“It was something I was passionate about, so I pushed [the application] through,” Moreton said. “We had just finished working on the campaign and God had really blessed that. It was an opportune time to nominate Jim for this.”

“We are really proud of Jim,” she added. “He is a humble man; he would have never applied for it himself.”

Krall said, “So much of what happens at JBU is because of great people. I am blessed to get this award, to be on behalf of JBU. It is humbling to get; it is very special. Giving or fundraising is more about the organization and the great things happening here than about me. I just try to stay out of the way, encourage and help things happen.”

Krall and the nominees for the Association’s other awards were featured on the front of CitiScapes Magazine, with a brief description of the work and character of each recipient. The photos for the story were shot on location at Crystal Bridges, which Krall thought was a neat setting to do them.

The magazine detailed Krall’s fundraising work, his integrity and ability to motivate others, and his involvement with other organizations, such as the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, New Life Ranch, Rotary club, New Beginnings Crisis Pregnancy Center, and Siloam Springs Bible Church.

The story also quoted Moreton, who described Krall as “a visionary leader with fresh ideas who has produced astounding financial results.”

To select this year’s Outstanding Fundraising Executive, an anonymous panel chose nominees out of a pool of eligible applicants, who were then evaluated in five areas:

  • Leadership and organizational ability
  • Time and effort contributed to cause
  • Financial results of nominee’s efforts
  • Success in recruiting and motivating others
  • Participation in other non-profit organizations

Moreton said this award is meaningful to the University. The funds raised through Krall’s work on the campaign directly impact students by increasing the number of scholarships and buildings on campus.

Krall describes these areas of growth as creating value for the University. He is motivated by his ability to help students through his job. “I really get excited about that,” he said.

Moreton concluded, “JBU is all about excellence—whether it is the academic work of students, the rigorous work in the classroom, or faculty making a difference,” Moreton said. “This is Krall’s area of expertise. So anytime someone at JBU receives honor in his or her field, it communicates to others that we are doing good work.”

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