Apra-IL Presents 20 Questions with ... Megan Humphrey

Based on the 73 Questions series produced by Vogue, Apra-IL presents a series of 20 questions to members and the board. We're excited for you to learn more about your leadership and fellow members in this series of 20 rapid-fire questions. 

Megan has the good fortune of serving on the talented prospect research team at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business. Before joining prospect development, she spent many years at the American Library Association, where she managed a national public awareness campaign to promote the value of libraries. Megan is also the new President of Apra-Illinois.

1. What must you start your morning off with, tea or coffee?

Either.

2. How many unread emails are in your work inbox?

Well, you never know when you might need an old email (I’m an email hoarder).

3. How many meetings do you have in a week?

Not too many! Between one to three.

4. If you were not in Prospect Development, what career would you choose?

I spent time in communications and marketing for non-profits before becoming a prospect researcher.

5. If you could travel back in time and meet the first person to ever have your role, what would you say to them?

I would ask them all of the questions. I’m a researcher – I love asking questions!

6. What is the first thing you do when you find out that you have multiple projects with close deadlines?

Make a plan.

7.What is your favorite thing on your work desk?

A few years ago for my birthday, my friend Annette made what is essentially an interactive art piece from an old office Rolodex. There are bandages under “B,” earplugs under “E,” paper drink umbrellas under “U,” etc. It is wonderful.

8. How do you explain your role to people outside of Development?

“I work in fundraising” is usually the amount of information people seem satisfied with.

9. What is the best part of working in Prospect Development?

There is so much to be curious about, and I get to be curious all day long!

10. What is one thing Apra has done for you?

Connecting with people from other types of institutions

11. When you come to the Apra-IL meet-ups, what do you always make sure to make time to visit?

I live in Chicago, so at meet-ups I make sure to chat with new people.

12. What book are you reading right now?

The Air You Breathe by Frances de Pontes Peebles, a novelist who lives in Chicago

13. What book would you recommend to people?

A General Theory of Love by Thomas Lewis, Fari Amini, and Richard Lannon

14. What is your favorite museum in your city/town?

I’m a member of the Art Institute of Chicago and love that I can dip in and out throughout the year, re-visiting favorites and catching new exhibits.

15. What is your favorite Season?

I like every season but prefer spring much less than the others until the moment that trees begin to flower, and then spring is my favorite…until summer.

16. Candy or chocolate?

All of the candy.

17. If you could have dinner with anyone living or dead, who would it be?

Anyone from the distant past who would be patient and answer all of my questions about what daily life was like in their time.

18. What country do you wish to visit?

Norway… and Japan… and Chile

19. Best advice you have ever received?

Always read the footnotes.

20. What is something new you just learned or worked on at work?

I learned more about the SEC form D.