RuffaloCODY Announces Merger With Noel-Levitz Creating the Premier Provider of Enrollment and Fundraising Solutions for Colleges and Universities

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA--(Marketwired - Aug 21, 2014) - RuffaloCODY is pleased to announce the acquisition of Noel-Levitz, bringing together the two most influential leaders in the provision of enrollment and fundraising solutions for higher education. Combined, RuffaloCODY and Noel-Levitz offer colleges and universities unparalleled experience, data and insights, as well as proven solutions covering a student's lifelong relationship with an institution, from initial enrollment through student success and alumni loyalty. Lazard Middle Market advised RuffaloCODY on this transaction.

"Institutions are operating in an increasingly competitive, demanding and fluid environment while simultaneously being asked to do more with less and meet challenging enrollment and fundraising objectives," said Duane Jasper, president and CEO of RuffaloCODY. "Success in this environment requires a new, more holistic and strategic approach. In joining forces with Noel-Levitz, we are positioned to help institutions meet their goals for enrollment and fundraising -- and thrive in ways they never before could."

With over 65 years of combined experience and leadership in the industry, RuffaloCODY and Noel-Levitz serve as a trusted partner to more than 1,800 colleges and universities. The organization provides the most comprehensive integrated suite of strategic consulting; tools and technology; industry insights and research; and professional development solutions to help higher education institutions thrive, including:

Pre-Enrollment

• Student Search Services
• Inquiry Cultivation
• Application Services
• Financial Aid Research and Planning
• Net Price Calculators
• Predictive Models
• Market Research
• Strategic Enrollment Planning
  
  

Campus

• Annual Retention and Completion Planning
• Retention and Curriculum Support
• Student Satisfaction Surveys and Motivational Instruments
• Career Services
  
  

Post-Campus

• Student Philanthropy
• Annual Giving
• Major and Planned Giving
• Alumni Engagement
  
  

"This is truly a case of 1 + 1 = 3. The combination of RuffaloCODY and Noel-Levitz brings together the deepest pool of higher education experience, data, insight and proven solutions that drive student success, impact institutional mission and enhance the educational experience," said Kevin Crockett, president and CEO of Noel-Levitz. "As an organization, we have the shared passion and unrivaled market presence for helping colleges and universities help students succeed." 

In the coming months, the organization plans to announce additional solutions and offerings, as well as an integrated approach to the combined set of services that address the specific challenges colleges and universities are facing. Duane Jasper will remain president and CEO of RuffaloCODY, Kevin Crockett will be president of the new combined enrollment division and John Baird will be the chief visionary officer, driving innovation and integration. Sarah Kleeberger will remain president of the fundraising management division. As the organization continues on its path of accelerated growth and expands its product and service offering, RuffaloCODY and Noel-Levitz will keep and grow their talent base to continue to deliver the same top-quality customer service and support clients have come to expect from both organizations.

"As excited as we are about the combined solutions we provide today, the real potential resides in what we create in the future," said John Baird. "The talent, experience and know-how in the combined company provide a powerful platform for developing new and enhanced services that will transform the way institutions recruit, enroll and retain students and cultivate alumni loyalty and philanthropic support. We see a wealth of opportunity based upon our shared commitment and philosophy to help connect students with the right institutions where they can be successful and stay involved long after graduation."

About RuffaloCODY
Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, RuffaloCODY serves nearly 1,000 institutions of higher education and high-affinity nonprofit organizations around the globe. The company is the leading provider of enrollment management and fundraising services and specializes in strategic oversight, outreach, and engagement services and software platforms all designed to foster the organizational/constituent relationship. To learn more, visit www.ruffalocody.com.

About Noel-Levitz
Noel-Levitz is a nationally recognized consulting firm specializing in higher education strategic enrollment planning, student marketing and recruitment, financial aid, student retention, and market research. Since 1973, Noel-Levitz has partnered with more than 3,000 colleges and universities throughout North America and beyond. Noel-Levitz has offices in Iowa and Colorado. For more information, visit www.noellevitz.com.