Congratulations to Dave Balkin, who has accepted a position as the Chancellor at Ivy Tech, for their South Bend and Elkhart campuses. Dave’s background in Microelectronics and his former position as the Director of ND’s Center for Nanotechnology, made him an outstanding candidate for this role. Dave spent two years with Development as a valued member of the West and Northwest Regions and he will be missed. Please congratulate Dave if you see him, as his last day will be Aug. 30th.

I am excited to announce the latest addition to Annual Giving. Today, Zach Thurston joins us as the Email Campaign and Technology Specialist on the Marketing Operations team. Zach will be leading our efforts in becoming world-class email storytellers while focusing on game-changing innovations we can implement with new technologies.

Zach is a graduate of the Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL with bachelor’s degrees in Marketing and Graphic Design.

Zach comes to Notre Dame from Petoskey, Michigan where he served as the Creative Director at the Manthei Group. He spends his free time planning trips to new countries he hasn’t yet visited and with his new puppy, Nox.

We’re excited to work with Zach as he shares his diverse skillset with the University. Please join me in welcoming Zach to the Notre Dame Family!

Brandon Tabor

To all of my University Relations family: on behalf of myself and the Klaybor family, I want to express our heartfelt THANK YOU for everything you’ve done for us this past year. Last August 12 when our sweet Mom passed away and now these last couple of weeks during my father’s hospitalization and ultimate death. The hugs, prayers, cards, texts, emails, food, flowers, masses, and your presence has meant so much to us and helped us get through this difficult time. Knowing that Mom and Dad are together again is the grace that is getting us through this. They were high school sweethearts, college sweethearts and married for 65 years. 73+ years together on this earth and now eternally together in heaven. You all mean so much to me.
Kathy

With excitement for their future and grateful for their past with us, we bid farewell to Brian Green and Henry Scroope.

Brian and Henry joined Development in 2010, charter members of what has become known as the Wall Street Initiative in fundraising. Brian received his undergraduate degree from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN, and earned his Master of Education degree from Notre Dame in 2001. He joined the staff at ACE before his move to Development. Henry came to Notre Dame in 1993 and never left, earning a BA in Government and International Studies in 1997. He worked in Athletics prior to his tenure in Development.

Both Brian and Henry have been valued mentors, collaborators and colleagues, not just to their regional teams, but to all of Development. They have always held our mission dear and clear in their work. We will miss their thoughtful and strategic collaboration, their ability to tell an amazing story, and their humor. Their efforts have brought Notre Dame closer to her vision of being a force for good in the world.

Our dynamic duo is embarking on a new adventure, Northstar Consulting, where they will consult to the education sector. They will transition on or about August 30. We wish Brian and Henry, together with Melissa and Maggie and families, the very best. They are forever Notre Dame!

Sincerely,

Anne Griffith and Bill Ribera

Colleagues,

I am happy to announce Jennifer Koebel has accepted the role of Development Associate in Gift Planning.

Jennifer began her career at Notre Dame in December 2007 working for The American Midland Naturalist in Galvin Life Sciences and joined the Gift Planning team as an administrative assistant in October 2012.

We are thrilled to have Jennifer in this new position. Please join me in congratulating Jennifer!

Best regards,

Rich Naponelli

The Stewardship & Donor Relations team is excited to welcome Rosie Riordan McDowell as Program Director, University Stewardship Initiatives beginning on Monday, August 12th. In this role, Rosie will serve as the key stewardship partner to the divisions of Financial Aid, Student Affairs and the Graduate School. A double Domer and long-time member of the Notre Dame community, Rosie has most recently worked with students and faculty in the design and implementation of international community based learning programs through the Center for Social Concerns. Rosie has planned and executed an annual global learning immersion for the AnBryce Scholars Initiative at Notre Dame’s European Global Gateways, mentored student leaders through the ND Votes program, and designed and managed the expansion of community-based learning courses in Europe. Rosie’s new role within Stewardship & Donor Relations will allow her to deploy her creativity and passion for student engagement, along with her deep knowledge of the University, to foster best in class stewardship in these critical, mission-focused areas. Please join us in welcoming Rosie McDowell to the team!

Dear Colleagues,

I write to inform you that our colleague Jesus Bravo will be moving back to Chicago to pursue another professional opportunity. As you surely know, Jesus has brought a deep love for Our Lady’s University to his work, and has shared this passion with benefactors and colleagues alike. We are grateful to Jesus for the perspectives he has shared, his hard work and dedication to our mission.

Jesus’ last day in the office is this Thursday, August 8. Please join me in wishing Jesus well in his next chapter.

My very best,

Anne Griffith

I am excited to announce that Ken Heckel is joining the East Coast Region as a Regional Director serving the VA/DC market.