I am thrilled to announce Andrea Swanagan will join University Relations as Senior Director of Prospect and Research Strategy starting on September 1st. In this role, she will lead the talented and growing team of prospect strategy consultants and research analysts who serve as our critical ‘engine of fundraising’ as we plan and embark upon campaign 9. Andrea will sit on the Advancement Services leadership team and will continue to build the growing partnerships with the Gift and Data Management Team, Information Technology and Services team, and the fundraising teams to deliver information to allow for faster and improved decisions.

Andrea has served as Director of Institutional Research at Notre Dame since July 2017. She originally joined the Office of Strategic Planning & Institutional Research (OSPIR) as a Strategic Planning Program Director in April 2013. Prior to her time in OSPIR, Andrea served as an analyst for the Executive Vice President. She has also participated in the University’s leadership rotation program, during which time she worked in the Division of Student Affairs and OSPIR. She initially returned to the University in 2007 as the Director of Worldwide Clubs in the Notre Dame Alumni Association.

Andrea graduated magna cum laude from the University of Notre Dame in 2002 with a BA in government and international studies. She was commissioned into the United States Air Force and served on active duty as an intelligence officer for five years, attaining the rank of captain. Andrea earned her MBA at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business and an MS in Data Science from the University of Notre Dame. She and her husband, Harold, are the proud parents of three children.

Please join me in welcoming Andrea to UR!!
Heather

The Notre Dame UR Family extends its deepest condolences to Giovana Heeter. Her father, Domenic Cataldo, passed away on Thursday, August 5th. Those who knew Domenic understood that he was a “master craftsman” at creating a family culture that celebrated life, love, and laughter. He and his wife, Sarita, were “locally famous” for welcoming others to their dinner table to share stories, friendship, and their impeccable Italian food and homemade wine. A mass of Christian burial was held Wednesday, August 11th at Saint Pius X Catholic Church in Granger. A celebration of Domenic’s life can be found at this link:

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/elkharttruth/obituary.aspx?n=domenico-cataldo&pid=199700729&fhid=8872

Please keep Domenic, Giovana and Lonnie Heeter, Giovana’s mother, Sarita, and their extended family in your prayers.

-Jason Scarlett

Don’t forget to register if you and your family plan to attend;

To register:

1. Go to ND UR Summit
2. Enter the total number of guests in the appropriate category & Click “Add to cart”
3. On the next page – enter the Host ID: ND UR Summit  in the DISCOUNT CODE box then Click “Apply”
4. Enter your name, email address and address (Note – you can enter your home or work address)
5. Click “Checkout”
6. You will receive an email (to the address used in your registration) from “Potawatomi Zoological Society – eTickets”.   Within the email is a link to your e-tickets.
7. Once at the zoo, you will need to get your tickets scanned (e-tickets or printed tickets) for entrance.

Great news to share…Nancy Cole will return to University Relations on Monday, August 16 as the new Resource Strategy Coordinator on our Resource Strategy and Administration team.

Nancy will play a critical role in helping to move forward the abundance of hiring going on in the division and will support the financial management of the division as well. For those who do not know, Nancy brings with her a wealth of institutional knowledge, operational chops, and strong relationships from her six years in Mendoza, five years in NDAA as Dolly’s Sr. Administrative Assistant, and most recently four years in the President’s Office as Operations Advisor to Ann Firth. We’re so excited that Nancy is sharing her many talents with our team.

Thanks for helping to warmly welcome Nancy back to UR!

Kathryn Valenti

It is with mixed emotions that I write to share the news that Michael Loungo will be leaving the University. Michael recently accepted a position as Senior Vice President for Development at the Augustine Institute, a Catholic education and media company based in Denver. Michael has been part of the Development team for eight years and has played a pivotal role in leading the Academic Advancement team and in cultivating benefactors who live outside the United States. He feels fortunate to be part of Notre Dame both as an alumnus and as an employee, and will take what he has learned to try to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Michael shared, “I have been surrounded by exceptional professionals here at Notre Dame, and I am grateful for everyone who helped me grow and accepted me despite my shortcomings.”

Michael’s last day is expected to be in early September. He and his family will continue to reside here in South Bend.

Please join me in wishing Michael all the best.

Best,
Stu

Hello again,

Jeff Arnold, our Academic Advancement Director for the College of Engineering, recently announced his intention to retire. Jeff joined the University nearly 10 years ago, after finishing with Honeywell a 30-year career in the engineering industry. His experience as an engineer and his commitment to Notre Dame engineering students is evident in how Jeff has approached his work. He has played an integral role on our Development team and we are grateful for his decade of service to the University. We will miss his professionalism and kindness.

What Jeff calls hobbies most would call advanced manufacturing, and I know that together with his commitment to his family and aspiring engineers, there is more to come in this new chapter of his life.

In the period between early September and his retirement, Jeff will transition to a research role in Corporate and Foundation Relations.

Join me in wishing Jeff all the best.

-Michael Loungo

Dear Friends,

I am excited to announce that, effective August 9, Ashley Bennett will assume the role of Sr. Director of Special Events. Reporting to me and Heather Christophersen (Associate Vice President, Advancement Services) and serving on the University Events leadership team, Ashley will strategically lead our very talented Special Events team and oversee event planning and execution efforts with our key partners in University Relations as well as our Executive Officers, PLC, Deans, Board of Trustees and Advisory Council members.

Ashley has served as the Associate Director of Events and Guest Services at DeBartolo Performing Arts Center for 10 years. In this role, she coordinated all aspects of DPAC’s special events, creating a unique and personalized experience for over 500 events annually. During this past year’s COVID period, her leadership was on full display as she designed, facilitated, and executed all aspects of the TutorND program alongside partners from the Institute for Educational Initiatives, Robinson Community Learning Center and Alliance for Catholic Education.

Ashley is a proud graduate of Indiana University. She and her husband Dave, a Mishawaka fireman and paramedic of 25 years, reside in Mishawaka. They have two amazing children Maria and Phillip. Maria will be a freshman at Indiana University this fall pursuing a degree in nursing, and Phillip will be a freshman at Marian High School.

Please join me in congratulating Ashley and welcoming her to our University Events family!

Lee Sicinski
Associate Vice President
University Events

Please join me in congratulating Colleen Cross and fellow Double Domer and ND employee Joe Quinn, who were married in a ceremony at the Basilica on July 30. Colleen and Joe were the model of patience and persistence during a long year of pandemic-related reschedules, and the Foundation Relations team couldn’t be happier that the two finally got to celebrate their big day with family and friends.

Best wishes to the newlyweds on starting their next adventure together!

-Amanda Retartha

It is my pleasure to welcome Caitlyn Clinton and Leslie Curry to the Giving Programs team!

Caitlyn is a 2020 graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a BA in American Studies and a Minor in Business and Economics. Prior to starting her role with University Relations, Caitlyn was a Marketing and Social Media Specialist for Operation BBQ Relief. While at the University, Caitlyn was involved in Student Government, Ryan Hall leadership, Fighting Irish Media, and most importantly, the University Relations Internship! Caitlyn will oversee ND Listens, the Class of 2022 Notre Dame Pledge, and other student focused initiatives. I’m so excited for the good work Caitlyn will do with our students.

Leslie graduated from Valparaiso University with a BS in Business Administration, and additionally, she has a Project Management Professional certification. Prior to coming to University Relations, Leslie was the Director of Annual Giving at Valparaiso University. She is well-versed in the world of Development, and more specifically, Annual Giving. Leslie will manage our Annual Giving renewal process, drive revenue for the Notre Dame Fund, and increase the total number of recurring Annual Giving donors. I have full confidence that Leslie’s experience and skill set will elevate the work we do on the Giving Programs Team.

Please join me in welcoming both Caitlyn and Leslie!

-Katie Kerby