It is with mixed emotions that I announce Huyen Lee’s new position as the Analyst for the Office of the Executive Vice President.  In her new role, Huyen will report to Matthew Blazejewski, and provide analytical support, event coordination, project management and communications assistance to John Affleck-Graves.

In her tenure as Assistant Director, Regional Analysis for the Midwest region, Huyen has exemplified teamwork, innovation, and technical excellence.  She has met challenges with a contagious enthusiasm and collaborative spirit that will be missed in University Relations.

Huyen will transition to her new role effective Tuesday, May 28.  The position of ADRA – Midwest will be posted shortly. Please join me in congratulating Huyen and wishing her the best as she continues to serve Our Lady’s University.

Best regards,

Anne Griffith, Director of Prospect Management

On December 20, 2013, University Relations held an all-day perpetual prayer service in the Blessed Brother Andre Chapel in Flanner Hall. It ran from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and was in memory of the victims of the Sandy Hook School tragedy the week before.

A candle from our Grotto, as well as the pictures and names of the victims were placed on the altar. There were Notre Dame note cards there for our staff who wished to write a note to be sent to the families of the victims. It was one of the most prayerful, touching division wide projects we have ever accomplished.

These note cards were sent to those who run Newton, Connecticut. I never expected any response as I am sure these kinds of things came in from all over the world. Just after Easter, one of the volunteers sent me a simple postcard thanking University Relations for their prayers and their efforts. It read, “On behalf of the people of Newtown, thank you for reaching out to our community. Your voice has been heard and your caring is deeply appreciated. Your words and prayers of kindness truly touch our hearts. We truly feel all the love from around the globe.”

We should all be very proud of what we did. It was done at a very busy time, and many of you were able to spend some very precious time praying for these victims. We should be proud of who we are, and proud of the fact we banded together when others were in need.

In Notre Dame,

Doug Leyes

Dear Colleagues –

I am delighted to announce that Mary Bueno will be joining Development as the Sr. Administrative Assistant for Annual Giving Programs (AGP) effective April 22, 2013, reporting to me.  Mary will be responsible for coordinating the integrated schedule for the AGP leadership team, managing the AGP Operating Rhythm schedule and reporting, and administrative support requirements for the AGP Leadership Team.

Mary brings significant experience as an Executive Assistant with roles of increasing responsibility including the position of Secretary for the President of Honeywell’s Engine Controls business based in South Bend.  Her responsibilities in these roles included coordinating the president’s calendar and travel schedule, including international trips, maintaining office files and confidential information, preparing internal and customer presentations, coordinating on-site and off-site meetings for customers and upper management, scheduling use of corporate aircraft including passenger manifests and flight logs, leading employee recreation teams, and being a member of the employee fitness team responsible for building an on-site fitness center.

Mary recently re-entered the administrative assistant field after taking 10 years off to adopt two wonderful daughters from China, Hannah (age 15) and Caroline (age 13).  She and her husband Manuel are long-term residents of South Bend and are delighted to join the Notre Dame team.  Mary is a graduate of LaSalle High School.

Please join me in welcoming Mary to the AGP team.

In Notre Dame,

Brian Couch, Sr. Director, Annual Giving Programs

Dear Colleagues –

The Sorin Society is excited to announce new membership experiences for donors contributing at the $5,000 and $10,000 levels annually.  Donors at these levels generate over half the funds the Sorin Society receives and have a significant impact on the University.  Our goal is to expand participation at these levels even further.

The enhancements start with a change of names for the upper giving levels from Founder’s Circle to Sorin Blue ($5,000 – $9,999) and from Legacy to Sorin Gold ($10,000+), indicative of Notre Dame’s colors and the foundational commitment donors at these levels are making to the University.  The formal launch of Sorin Blue and Sorin Gold will occur on Wednesday, April 17^th via an email announcement sent to current Sorin members.  Brochures detailing the specifics of the enhanced programs will be mailed to key candidates for potential upgrade to the Sorin Blue and Sorin Gold levels on Friday, April 19^th.

• Sorin Gold members will receive an invitation to participate in exclusive signature Notre Dame Events at the annual Shamrock Series Game and at a post-season bowl, should Notre Dame participate in one.  These events will involve University leaders and unique keynote speakers on topics of special interest.
• Donors at the Sorin Blue & Gold levels will have access to a special post-game Mass and dinner, and use of a VIP Club Room Friday afternoons and pre-game Saturday during home football weekends.
• New members at both the Blue and Gold levels, as well as those who have 5 consecutive years of membership at those levels, will receive a special seatback naming opportunity at the Joyce Athletic & Convocation Center. (Members who qualify for a seatback based on 5 consecutive years will be contacted separately.)

Each of these elements is intended to say “Thank You” for the extraordinary generosity of Sorin Blue and Sorin Gold members, which helps make the mission of the University possible.

Further information on the new Sorin Blue/Gold program is available at http://supporting.nd.edu/bluegoldprogram or by contacting any of the Major Gift Officers (Giovanna Heeter, Patrick Kaiser or Jared Mrozinske) who can also provide brochures and support to fundraisers with prospects interested in Sorin Blue or Sorin Gold.  As always, the Donor Experience Team can be reached at (575)631-5198 or at sorinsoc@nd.edu to support any needs your donors may have regarding the Sorin Society.

God Bless & Go Irish!

Brian Couch, Sr. Director, Annual Giving Programs

I am pleased to announce that Dan Nussbaum has accepted the position of Associate Regional Director for Midwest Region effective May 13, 2013.  Dan will be covering Ohio and parts of Western PA.

Dan graduated from Holy Cross College in 2006 after spending 2 years as a walk-on with the Arizona State football team in 2002 and 2003.  Dan has had a successful career in medical sales in the South Bend area, having worked for Zimmer and Smith & Nephew, before starting his own distributorship in 2011.  Dan has deep roots to Notre Dame as both his father, Dick Nussbaum and his brother, Matt Nussbaum, are double domers and monogram winners.  Dick Nussbaum currently is the president of the Monogram Club and serves on the Board of Trustees here at Notre Dame.  Dan and his wife Amy are the parents of a two-year old son, Louie, and are expecting their second child in August.

Please join me in welcoming Dan to our team!

Mike

Mike Sullivan ’90, Senior Director of Development – Midwest Region

I am pleased to announce that Richard Reynolds has accepted the position of Associate Regional Director for West Region Development effective April 29, 2013.  Rich will replace John Hannan.

Rich, a Notre Dame ‘75 grad, was born and raised in South Orange, New Jersey, and has lived in New Canaan, Connecticut, with his wife Kim for the past 30 years.  They have three children – Ryan Condra and her husband Erik (both Notre Dame class of ’09), Patrick (Villanova ’12), and Christopher (Notre Dame ’17).

Since graduating from the College of Business in 1975, Richard has had extensive experience in national and international sales.  He also owned his own business and most recently served as a Financial Advisor for Merrill Lynch.

In addition to his passion for Notre Dame, he enjoys playing golf and basketball.

Please join me in welcoming Rich to our team!

In Notre Dame,

Kevin P. Cannon, Senior Director of Development, West Region

Our sympathy to Jean Collier, her husband Gary Anderson, and their family as Eleanor G. Anderson, Gary’s mother, passed away Saturday April 13^th.

 ELEANOR G.  ANDERSON

CONCORD, MA – Eleanor G. (Gallagher) Anderson, of Concord, MA, formerly of New London, NH, Vero Beach, FL, New Canaan , CT and Larchmont, NY passed away peacefully  with family  by her side on April 13, 2013, at age 88.  For 60 years, she was the beloved wife of the late Fred J. Anderson who died in 2011.

 Elly was born in Dobbs Ferry, New York on January 5, 1925, the fourth child of four girls of the late John Patrick and Norah (Ahearn) Gallagher.  She grew up in Irvington-on-Hudson, New York, attended Immaculate Conception School in Irvington and graduated in 1942 from Irvington High School.   After finishing Pratt Business School in New York City, she worked at the National Broadcasting Company, from 1946 to 1951. At the time of her retirement, Elly was the secretary to Sylvester “Pat” Weaver, President of NBC Television.

In 1946 she met the love of her life, Fred J. Anderson, while on a ski trip in the Berkshires.  Fred had just returned from serving in the U. S. Army as a spotter pilot in Germany during WWII.  After a three year courtship, they married on December 2, 1950 at Immaculate Conception Church in Irvington, New York. They settled in Larchmont, NY where they raised their five children.  They spent 27 years in Larchmont where Elly  was very active at St. John and Paul Church,  a member of the Women’s Guild, and involved with school activities with her young children.

Visiting hours at the Dee Funeral Home of Concord, MA will be held on Thursday, April 18 from 3 to 6:30 PM.

A funeral mass will be held Friday, April 19 in Holy Family Parish, Monument Square, Concord Center at 10:30 AM. Interment will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Valhalla, New York at a later date in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to:

Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, P.O. Box 304, Maryknoll, NY 10545-0304 (Note on  check: In memory of Eleanor Anderson, for work of Rev. Wm Galvin)   or   Rivercrest Staff Appreciation Fund, 80 Deaconess Road, Concord, MA 01742 (Note on check: In memory of Eleanor Anderson)

The full obituary and arrangement information can be found at  www.deefuneralhome.com

Please keep Jean and Gary in your prayers this week.

George Keegan

I am pleased to announce the Database Coordinator position within Donor Services has been posted to the HR jobs website and will remain open through April 20^th.  This position maintains the Advance database system by updating biographic information for ND alumni, parents, and friends.  We do have a preferred candidate for this position.  If you have any questions, please contact Susan Murphy at smurphy9@nd.edu or Sue Prister at sprister@nd.edu.

Thank you,
Stacy Koebel-Harder, Director Donor Services

Dear colleagues,

I am very pleased to announce that effective immediately, Anne Griffith will be promoted to Director of Prospect Management.  In this new role, Anne will lead the comprehensive strategies for prospect management across Development.  Working closely with the Sr. Directors of Regional Development, Planned Giving, CFR, Annual Giving Programs, Research, Stewardship, and other areas, she will be responsible for the day to day management of the Prospect Management team as well as business processes and strategies in this arena.

In her capacity, Anne will report to me and lead a team of talented professionals, including Huyen Lee, Lori Pope, and Sarah Bogucki.  She will collaborate closely with Colleen McQuillan as she continues in her role focusing on Principal Gift Prospect Management and Strategy, as well as the Research team in delivering best in class partnerships across the department.  Anne will also continue to work with the East Regional Development team, and deliver excellence in prospect management for this team.

Over the past three years, Anne has proven to be a trusted colleague committed to excellence and Our Lady’s Mission.  Her commitment to Prospect Management has elevated the department at Notre Dame, and resulted in a leading operation across higher education.  It is an honor to work with Anne, and I am thrilled that she will be serving in this important new leadership position.

Please join me in congratulating Anne!

Warmest regards,

Micki

It is my pleasure to announce that Sharon Rankert has accepted the position of Senior Lettershop Coordinator in Donor Services.

For the past 14 months Sharon has worked for Donor Services as a member of the Alumni Files team. While in Alumni Files, Sharon did a great job ensuring that updates from mynotredame were completed on a daily basis. She helped identity enhancements to the front end of mynotredame, giving our alumni, parents and friends a better user experience and ensuring that the data going into Advance was more accurate and in accordance with the users’ intent.  Sharon was also a major contributor in the Advance Web implementation, helping write Work Instructions and Policies and Procedures and testing biographic data forms. She has been an asset in Alumni Files with her strong work ethic, dedication and innovative ideas. In her new role, Sharon will help guide the Lettershop staff in maintaining high standards for donor acknowledgments as well as continuing the work on implementing new Lettershop processes.

Sharon graduated from Indiana University of South Bend and, prior to coming to Notre Dame, served as a Stewardship Coordinator at Culver Academies with responsibilities in donor reporting. Her other experiences include her employment at Pebble Beach Resorts, where she was identified as the top reservations agent for the Pebble Beach Resorts, and substitute teaching in Wuerzburg, Germany. Sharon’s husband Brett is retired from the military and is currently employed at Culver Military Academy. Her son, Justin, is attending Indiana University of South Bend.

Sharon brings enthusiasm and talent to the Lettershop. Along with Barb Patnaude we have a professional and dedicated team and we look forward to the year ahead as we continue to implement process improvements in the Lettershop.

Join me in congratulating Sharon on herr new role.

Sue Prister

Dear Team,

Thank you!  Thank you! Thank you!

Thanks to all of you, team UR Walking on Sunshine finished the 2013 Relay for Life as the No. 1 fund-raising team on campus.  Our team raised over $22,000 in the fight against cancer.  In the history of Notre Dame’s Relay for Life, no single team has ever raised this much money.  To put it in perspective, we almost doubled our team goal of $12,000 and surpassed the Fire Fighting Irish, the previous top fund-raising team, by over $5,000.  Truly astounding!

My committee members — Dawn McGrath, Rachel Hughes, Giovana Heeter, Cheryl Schlimpert, Lori Willard, Libby Mountsier and Jessica Brookshire — worked tirelessly and earnestly over the past two months to propel our team into this top position.  This goal could never have been accomplished without them. I am incredibly grateful for their commitment and passion toward this cause.

Our impact in saving lives is significant.  Overall, this year’s relay raised $186,418.58.  In the nine years Notre Dame has been hosting a relay, we have raised over $1 million.

As a team, we should stand proud and relish in our accomplishment. We stepped up to the challenge and truly rallied to turn rain into rainbows!

In appreciation and unity,

Roberta, Team Captain, UR Walking on Sunshine

 

…rallying to turn rain into rainbows!

Dear Colleagues,

I am excited to announce that Jill Donnelly ND ’76 will be joining the East Region Development team as an Associate Regional Director of Development beginning May 1^st, 2013.

Jill has had an extraordinary fifteen year career of achievement and excellence while working at the University of Notre Dame.  Her journey at ND began as an Administrative Assistant in Development followed by her transition to Director, Annual Giving Programs for five years.  Jill has spent the last 7 years as the Executive Director of the Order of St. Thomas More and the Program Director for the Law School Annual Fund.

The Donnelly family includes Jill, her husband, The Honorable Joseph Donnelly, son Joe Jr, daughter Molly and son-in law Mike.

Jill is universally respected across campus as a consummate professional and engaging teammate.  I am honored to welcome her aboard to the East Region Development team.  Please join me in congratulating Jill on her new role in service to Our Lady’s University.

Go Irish!

Michael McLaughlin

Dear Colleagues,

It is with mixed emotions that we announce Tim Yoder has resigned his position to pursue new opportunities. Tim’s last day with the University of Notre Dame will be Friday, 4/19/2013.

For the last seven years, Tim has been a member of OIT’s Distributed Support Services, dedicated to University Relations. He has been an invaluable asset in keeping the department computers, printers, and other technology up to date and working well. Tim also served as the project leader in the successful move from Grace Hall to Eddy Street Commons.

We thank Tim for his service and support. His energetic personality has touched many members of our University Relations staff, and he will be missed by all. Please join us in wishing him continued success as he begins an exciting new chapter in his professional career.

OIT has posted the open position on the HR jobs website. This position will remain open until April 24, 2013.

Carleen Quinlan, Director DIS

Rose Michalski, Help Desk Program Manager, DIS

Good Morning Team,

The countdown has begun.  Just 12 hours before the start of the 2013 ND Relay for Life.  Thanks to all of you, UR Walking on Sunshine is still the #1 fund-raising team on campus, but we are neck-and-neck with the OIT Techies Tacklin’ Cancer team.  So if you haven’t already done so, go on line, make that donation, join our team and help make a difference. http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=48414&pg=team&team_id=1338732

I would like to invite all of you to tonight’s event.  Registration begins at 4:30 p.m. with our ND Gameday opening ceremony hosted by Digger Phelps beginning at 6:30 p.m.  It will be a lively, interactive, family-friendly event with something for everyone.  So bring the family, bring your friends and join the fun as we show the spirit Notre Dame is known for…we are the Fighting Irish!!!

Roberta, Team Captain, UR Walking on Sunshine

Hi all,

I ask that you please promote the Saturday morning breakfast within your departments, groups, and teams.  What a great way to start your Saturday morning!

We specifically added the FREE breakfast in order to encourage more people to register and for more people to stay the night, or come back for closing ceremonies.   We ordered a ton of food, and would love to see it all enjoyed by hungry Relayers!!

Time:   7am-8:30am, Saturday, April 13.

Place:  O’Briens  on 2^nd level of Compton Family Ice Arena

Menu:  pancakes, sausage, coffee, and juice

So PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let your friends, family and colleagues know about this great free event.

Thanks!

Dave

Dave Dits, CPA, Business Manager, Notre Dame Food Services

 

Hello Team,

Congratulations!!!  With five days still remaining until Relay for Life, UR Walking on Sunshine already has raised over $12,000 in our fight against cancer and is currently the No. 1 fund-raising team on campus. Thank you!!!

However, in the spirit of a friendly competition, OIT’s Techies Tacklin’ Cancer is just a few hundred dollars behind us and their goal is to beat us. Our team has worked tirelessly to achieve our first-place status and it would be great if we were able to walk away from this year’s event having raised more funds and awareness toward this deadly disease than any other team on campus.

Therefore, I would like to challenge everyone on our team (that is everyone reading this email) to raise $50 in 50 hours.  It’s as easy as asking five people to donate $10 each.

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=48414&pg=team&team_id=1338732

I would like to thank everyone for a stellar year and want you to know how proud and honored I am to be walking on sunshine with all of you!

Roberta, Team Captain, UR Walking on Sunshine

…rallying to turn rain into rainbows.

 

The Notre Dame Alumni Association has posted Christa LeeVan’s previous role of Events Coordinator.  This position manages logistics for Reunion and other events and programs in the Notre Dame Alumni Association. It also supervises the student worker program for the Programs Team. The position requires strong interpersonal, organizational, and computer skills. The position interacts regularly with alumni, parents, and friends of the University, students, campus departments, and off-campus vendors.

Please send any references to Stephanie Mola at smola1@nd.edu.

Thanks!

Stephanie

The Alumni Association has filled the position responsible for career services and resources for alumni. The position will also be responsible for the professional dimension of the “Notre Dame network.”

I am pleased to announce the hiring of Sharon Keane ‘84 as the new Director of Professional and Academic Programs effective April 15, 2013. Sharon returns to the University — she had previously spent 11 years in the Mendoza College of Business, all within Notre Dame Executive Education, and most recently had served as director of the unit. In her new role, Sharon will design and execute programming to support alumni in their career transitions and further career and professional interests and aspirations. Please join me in welcoming Sharon back to Notre Dame, we are excited to have her join our team.

Dear Colleagues,

University Communications has posted a Graphic Designer position to the ND jobs site. In this role she/he will be creating the visual appearance of all UC projects as a member of the award winning Print team, and will be responsible for contributing to the brand objectives of the university. While this is role primarily focused on collateral, environmental, and branding—it is also part of an integrated marketing communications group where work in other media may be expected. The best candidate will contribute as a creative thinker in teaming on large scale projects, and integrated marketing communications plans.

We’ll be looking to move swiftly on a hire, so if you know of any viable candidates, please have them apply soon.

Tim Legge

SHINE A LIGHT ON THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER

Relay For Life participants and donors: remember loved ones lost to cancer and honor those battling the disease by dedicating luminaria bags, one for $5 or 3 for $10.

Each luminaria can be personalized with a name, photo, message, or drawing in memory or honor of a friend or loved one who has been affected by cancer.  Luminaria can also be dedicated in support of a Relay participant.   Each luminaria represents a person. They are our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, friends, coworkers, and so many others.

Luminaria bags are transformed and illuminated after dark at every local Relay For Life event.  During the Relay For Life Luminaria Ceremony, glow sticks are lit inside of personalized bags to shine a light on the fight against cancer.  The power of this ceremony lies in providing an opportunity for people to share their grief and find hope.

Please contact Ernestine Gardner if you would like to purchase and dedicate Luminaria for this year’s Relay for Life event.

Ernestine J. Gardner, Administrative Assistant                                                                       Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations

o:  574.631.7874                e:  egardne1@nd.edu