Friends and colleagues,

We write to share news of several promotions and transitions within the 405 Main Building office.

Effective October 1, Terry Donze will transition from her current role as Development Associate to Senior Office Coordinator for 405 Main and report directly to Gavin McGuire. In this important position, Terry will serve as the primary receptionist and first point of contact for the Office of the Vice President for University Relations and the Office of the Vice President for Public Affairs and Communications and will manage the overall operations of the office suite. A trusted and respected colleague, Terry recently celebrated 33 years of dedicated service with University Relations.

Similarly, effective October 1, Sharon Rankert will be promoted to Assistant Director, Advisory Council Program, reporting directly to Julia Sama. In this role, Sharon will help organize the fall Advisory Council meetings across 18 councils, coordinate the annual Advisory Council strategic review process, publish the Advisory Council digital directory and manage communications of important University news to council members. Sharon will continue to provide direct support to Drew on calendaring, fundraising support, and donor stewardship. Sharon has been a valued member of the UR team since 2012 and we’re excited for her to take on this new role.

Reporting directly to Lou, effective October 1, Debra de St. Jean will be promoted from her current role of Assistant Director, Advisory Council Program, to Development Associate. In this role, Debra will provide executive and administrative support to the Vice President of University Relations by managing the office of the Vice President, including calendaring, operational processes, internal communications and support, and special projects as required by Lou. Debra has served University Relations (over two stints) for almost a decade and has been repeatedly championed for her do-whatever-it-takes work ethic.

And finally, effective September 1, Gavin McGuire’s role of Advisor was expanded to reflect his significant contributions over the past three years to the office of the Vice President of University Relations. In this newly expanded role and in addition to his current duties, Gavin will oversee the 405 Front Desk and overall operations, including the management of the student interns, oversee the budget for the Vice President of University Relations, manage strategic projects, and coordinate large external events such as international and domestic bowl games on behalf of University Relations.

Please join us in thanking and congratulating Terry, Sharon, Debra, and Gavin, for taking on these new roles and responsibilities in service to Notre Dame.

Lou and Drew.