Resolution 210035

..Title Recognizing the outstanding work of Deborah Diamond as President of Campus Philly upon her departure from the organization. ..Body WHEREAS, After ten years, Deborah Diamond has stepped down as the President of Campus Philly; and WHEREAS, Campus Philly is an organization which aims to fuel economic growth by encouraging college students to study, explore, live and work in the Greater Philadelphia region. In their words, the organization helps college students fall in love with Philadelphia and launch their careers here after they graduate; and WHEREAS, Campus Philly was founded after they recognized a need to retain talent brought to Philadelphia by our prestigious educational institutions. Graduates were not staying in the City and with that lost of talent came a loss of positive economic impact; and WHEREAS, In 2004, Campus Philly became a formal nonproft organization, embracing a larger mission of fueling economic growth in the region by encouraging college students to explore off campus and connect to employers for internships and post-graduation jobs. Campus Philly launched in-person career and professional development events, took over a website to promote internships and careers, and expanded the number of colleges and universities with whom it worked; and WHEREAS, Deborah Diamond became Campus Philly's President in 2010. Her goals for her time at the helm included having Campus Philly become the "go to" organization for anyone wanting to connect with Greater Philadelphia's college student population, to build meaningful relationships with college students so that they turn to Campus Philly as a trusted resource to learn about the best off-campus experiences, to broaden Campus Philly's base of support to include more colleges and universities, employers and regional corporations, arts and culture partners, and civic organizations, and to increase the number of college students who stay in the region after they graduate; and WHEREAS, Ms. Diamond met and exceeded her initial goals during her time leading the organization. Under her guidance, the organization reached 115% growth in college educated young adults residing in Philly since 2000, a 54% post-college retention rate, and grew the organizations outreach and audience to over 70% diverse students. The Campus Philly programming and outreach to retain young people represents billions of dollars in economic growth in Philadelphia both now and in the future; and WHEREAS, Ms. Diamond also focused on inclusive growth as President of Campus Philly, increasing minority and diverse participation in both outreach and programming. Her work helped to ensure that many students see their future in Philadelphia through programs which introduce them to a diverse range of young professionals like them. Campus Philly events focus on students building networks with each other. The network Campus Philly builds for students helps to diverse students, "We are eager to have you here"; and WHEREAS, Ms. Diamond will continue her work to encourage students and young adults to remain in Philly and contribute to its growth in her new role; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes the outstanding work of Deborah Diamond as President of Campus Philly upon her departure from the organization. ..End