Colleagues,

I write to share the news that Beth Pritchard will be leaving the University as of June 28 to pursue other opportunities. Beth has served as a Regional Director since 2021, working with families in the DC market. We are grateful for her work with benefactors over the last few years and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Best,
Nadia

On behalf of Michelle Joyce, Amanda Retartha, and Ken Camm:

Colleagues and friends,

It is with heavy hearts that we share that Cathy Windeatt passed away peacefully this morning, June 25, in the company of her son Bryan. Cathy bravely fought through health challenges for many years, and met each day with the kind of positivity and resilience that we could only hope to have in the same situation.

Cathy served the University with dedication for 12 years, first as an administrative assistant with Corporate Relations and, more recently, a regional associate with Corporate and Foundation Relations. She was the heart of CFR, and her bright spirit will be deeply missed. Her Notre Dame family meant the world to her, and she had unparalleled love for both Our Lady’s University and her home state of West Virginia.

We will be celebrating Cathy’s life with a prayer service at the Grotto tomorrow (Wednesday) at 4:15pm, and a memorial Mass at the Basilica in August. All are welcome to join, and we ask that you send up your own prayers and thoughts for solace for her family and dear friends.

In Notre Dame,
Michelle, Amanda, and Ken

I am pleased to announce Cristi Ganyard’s promotion to Senior Director for University Stewardship Initiatives as of July 1. Cristi has demonstrated an incredible work ethic, always seeking innovations and efficiencies in her various roles throughout the Department. Having recently celebrated 15 years of exemplary service to the University, she first worked in Philanthropic Strategies and then joined Special Events where she led presidential and executive events for several years. As a project leader, Cristi made a name for herself through her green belt project which changed the way we managed advisory council events.

During the last five years, Cristi has been leading the Stewardship Initiatives team. Similar to the Academic Advancement unit, this team partners with all the colleges, schools, and divisions throughout campus to ensure that University benefactors are stewarded both reactively (through impact and endowment reporting) and proactively (through special touches) to increase philanthropy. During COVID, Cristi led the team in creating and delivering electronic endowment reporting for donors. With the implementation of Ascend we are counting on her to again find new solutions for endowment reporting this fall. We’ll also lean on her for coordinating impact reporting for the For Good Strategic Initiatives.

Cristi has become an extraordinary leader, having mentored our veteran colleagues and attracted incredible new talent. Please join me in congratulating Cristi!

Grateful,
Katherine Lane

Congratulations to Anita Sareen! Effective July 1, 2024, Anita will now serve Our Lady’s University as an Associate Program Director, Development Administration. In her new role as APD, Anita will succeed Roz Palusci in supporting Jerry Barca, Ashley Gerard, and Shaheen Goldrick.

Since 2011, Anita has been a leader on the team, first as a development coordinator and later as an associate director. She has excelled in project management, strategy, process improvement, coaching, and training. Her collaboration with Regional Directors and the broader Development team has consistently uncovered opportunities to enhance fundraising effectiveness. Anita’s diverse talents and enthusiasm for our mission will undoubtedly make her an invaluable asset to the APD Team where she will continue to hone her skills and contribute to Development in new and exciting ways.

When you see Anita please take a moment to thank her for her years of dedication as a manager and mentor to our Development Coordinators and wish her the best of luck in her new role.

-Amy Schell

Please join me in welcoming Abby Utterback to Regional Development as a Development Coordinator (DC). Her first day is Monday, June 24th.

Growing up in Michiana, Abby was a frequent visitor to Notre Dame. She graduated from IUSB with a degree in Sustainability and most recently worked at the Kalamazoo Nature Center as a conservation technician. Previous to that, Abby worked to alleviate local hunger with her efforts as a Garden Education Coordinator with Church Community Services.

Interestingly, she is certified in the handling of pesticides, wildland firefighting (loves the practice of prescribed fires) and the handling of rattlesnakes! Abby spends most of her free time with her tortie cat named Kitty Girl, practicing fiber art, gardening, and hiking.

Welcome to Development, Abby!

-Deena Chamberlin

We are thrilled for Jess and Mike Witous as they welcomed baby George to their family on Thursday, June 20. George is a healthy 5 lbs. 9 oz. Older brother Michael is all ready to jump in and help!

Dear Colleagues,

Please join me in welcoming Grace Van Handel to Regional Development as a Development Coordinator (DC).

Hailing from central Wisconsin, Grace recently celebrated the completion of her MS degree in Management at Notre Dame with a focus in Finance. During that time, Grace served as an Admissions Ambassador for the program. She received her undergraduate degree in Health Science from the University of Wisconsin in 2023 and is passionate about nutrition and trying new healthy recipes.

Professionally, Grace served as the Executive Assistant to the manager of the Minocqua Country Club in Wisconsin where she recruited, trained, and led a staff of more than 30 employees. She loves watching college football, especially Notre Dame, and outdoor hiking. Her first day is Monday, June 24th.

Welcome to Development, Grace!

Angie Dennig

Per Brian’s email, please join us for today’s ND Shares in DeBartolo Hall Room 129 at 3PM. We will have churros from Franky’s Tacos while supplies last. Thank you for your patience and flexibility, and we hope to see you this afternoon!

Colleagues,

I am grateful and pleased to share with you that Matt Gelchion will be promoted to Senior Director of the Academic Advancement team effective July 1. A Notre Dame class of 2009 (BA) and class of 2011 (ACE, M Ed) graduate, Matt has committed his professional career in service to Our Lady’s University – serving in ACE from 2011 – 2017 and then moving to Development where he has worked in Storytelling & Engagement, Annual Giving, and Academic Advancement. Matt served Financial Aid and Student Life as an AAD and added to his portfolio when he was promoted to Senior Associate Director in fall of 2023. Matt has supported and led some of the largest gifts to financial aid for the University and numerous efforts to support student life, including philanthropy for the Office of Student Enrichment, Residence Halls, and the successfully-launched Mental Health Initiative in collaboration with the College of Arts & Letters.

With a heart for Catholic education, Notre Dame students, and the impact that the Academic Advancement team can have on the Notre Dame community and beyond, Matt will bring his rigorous and strategic approach and passion for ND and coaching to the AAD team as we head into the remaining five years of For Good.

Please join me in congratulating Matt on his new role.

In Notre Dame,
Michelle

I am thrilled to announce that Rob Weilert will join our team as an Associate Regional Director, starting June 17th.

Rob earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from SUNY Cortland and a Master’s Degree in Athletics Administration from Canisius University.

Rob has spent the last 15 years in the Osceola County School District in Central Florida as a teacher, where he was affectionately known as “Coach Weilert.” He has always valued developing meaningful relationships and creating lasting memories for people

Two years ago, Rob decided he wanted to be more than a “Subway Alumni” and began to pursue his dream of becoming a more integral part of Notre Dame. Accompanied by his amazing wife, Lori, and their two kids, Leah and Callan, Rob is ready to bring his passion and energy to Notre Dame every single day.

-Indi Jackson

Fun facts:

– Shortly after graduating from college, Rob (a believer in trying anything) learned professional wrestling and put on several shows for his students as fundraisers for his teams.

– Rob and his family enjoy going on cruises.

– Rob’s dad owned an Irish Pub while he was growing up. It was deemed Rochester’s Notre Dame Bar in the early 90s.

-The first gift Rob ever gave Lori when they were dating? A Notre Dame t-shirt of course.

– Rob thrives on opportunities to entertain and bring joy, whether he’s holding a microphone, speaking to a crowd, or appearing on camera