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John Amato has spent most of his career raising funds for institutes of higher learning, including Drake University at the onset of its $190 million capital campaign. A two-year stint as vice chancellor for university advancement at the University of Missouri-Kansas City took Amato and his wife, Betsy, out of Des Moines. But a month ago, they returned and he became vice president for development and alumni relations at Des Moines University.

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What brought you back to Des Moines?

When we (my wife and I) left, we were new empty nesters and we thought it would be a good time to experience another community and university for me. It wasn’t what we thought it was going to be. Kansas City was such a different community than what we were used to, and between all of our family and friends and just the life we had in Des Moines, we missed it.

What are you doing in this new position?

It’s a similar role. What I am here is the chief development officer, and in my position, we’re put in charge to engage our alumni and raise financial support from our external constituencies in support of our programs. In my first month, it’s really been my aim to assess where the university’s needs are and understand some of the politics involved, so I know how to best strategize the whole process of engaging our alumni and ultimately to raise philanthropic gifts.

Do you have a set goal in mind yet?

Right now we’re going through an assessment stage in preparation for our next capital campaign. I’m putting together the strategies to present to (former) Gov. (Terry) Branstad (president of DMU) for discussion to take place at the board level.

Is this school different from the ones you’ve worked for in the past?

There is no difference in the work; the difference is the constituency. Everybody assumes doctors make lots of money. Well, doctors typically are very careful with their giving. Knowing that they have so many organizations that ask for their support, we need to be very compelling to them.

How did you get into the higher-education setting?

I got a phone call from the then director of alumni relations at my alma mater in Rockford, Ill., Rockford College, asking if I would consider taking his position. My wife and I had two small babies at that time. We took a leap of faith and in 1984 decided to make that career change and never looked back since.

What do you like about the work?

It’s all geared toward connecting with people. Relationships.

What’s one achievement that stands out in your mind?

I think the success that I experienced at Drake University was a very big highlight in my life. Probably the largest influence in my life in general, much less (my) professional (life) in fund raising, is Maddie Levitt. I have been here a month and I cannot look around this town and not see reminders of Maddie. I already miss her terribly. She was such a magnificent lady and she taught me quite a bit about the fund-raising world in terms of how to connect with people to make them really want to take an interest in what you’re talking about.

Was your work as president of the Iowa College Foundation different for you?

It was a huge difference in how I had to handle fund raising, but it was wonderful to deal with 25 different college presidents, all of whom have their own priorities and idiosyncrasies. I was glad I did it, but I could not wait to get back into an institution (of higher learning) again.

Tell us about the award you received from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

They annually hand out the distinguished service award. CASE is divided into eight districts, and I received their highest honor for District 6.

What do you like to do for fun?

My wife and I are fanatic golfers, but not competitive necessarily. Now we also have our first granddaughter born two weeks ago, and we’re just thrilled with all of that.