Duke Haddad-Father of the Bride

By Duke Haddad, Ed.D.

[Editor's Note: Duke filed this on Friday but didn't make the deadline for Today in Fundraising — for good reason! I'm making note of it so the time references make sense. Congratulations to you and your family, Duke! Bright blessings to all. — MBG]

For the first and only time in my life, I will be the father of the bride this weekend. I have two children. My son was married 11 years ago to my wonderful daughter-in-law. My daughter's big day is tomorrow.

I laughed at Steve Martin when he was the father of the bride in the movies. I am not laughing this weekend. Being a father of the bride brings a range of emotions into play. I am happy for my daughter and thrilled that she will be joining a new family that she loves.

She has dated my new son-in-law for several years and attends dinners at her future in-laws house almost every Sunday. I'm a little sad as I realize time marches on — whether you like it or not. My daughter has grown into a beautiful young woman. I have been blessed with my own bride of many years. She is my first and only trophy wife. We are both from West Virginia and come from great families. I believe we have set an example of what makes a strong marriage work.

What does this have to do with philanthropy? We educate individuals in this profession on a daily basis. That said, I have never read one article about what families of development professionals experience. Their love, sacrifice and dedication are amazing. A typical development professional is away from home on nights, weekends and even days off. It is expected in their roles. Last week, I had to work on a "day off" plus a Saturday and missed being with my family on a weekend.

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Duke Haddad, Ed.D. Author's page

Duke Haddad, Ed.D., CFRE, is currently associate director of development, director of capital campaigns and director of corporate development for The Salvation Army Indiana Division in Indianapolis. He also serves as president of Duke Haddad and Associates LLC and is a freelance instructor for Nonprofit Web Advisor.

He has been a contributing author to NonProfit PRO since 2008.

He received his doctorate degree from West Virginia University with an emphasis on education administration plus a dissertation on donor characteristics. He received a master’s degree from Marshall University with an emphasis on public administration plus a thesis on annual fund analysis. He secured a bachelor’s degree (cum laude) with an emphasis on marketing/management. He has done post graduate work at the University of Louisville.

Duke has received the Fundraising Executive of the Year Award, from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Indiana Chapter. He also was given the Outstanding West Virginian Award, Kentucky Colonel Award and Sagamore of the Wabash Award from the governors of West Virginia, Kentucky and Indiana, respectively, for his many career contributions in the field of philanthropy. He has maintained a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation for three decades.