I’m thrilled to share that Ashley Van Avermaete will join the Annual Giving team as the newest Associate Regional Director, starting today!

Ashley brings 15 years of experience at Notre Dame. She began her journey in the College of Science, where she spent nine years in roles such as undergraduate research assistant, lab manager, and senior research technician for the Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases. She then transitioned to University Relations, where she’s spent the last six years—first on the Development Administration team and more recently with Friends of Ted and Ned, Cavanaugh Council, and President’s Circle (FTN/CCPC) team.

Throughout her career, Ashley has built meaningful connections across campus and with benefactor families, students, and friends of the University, always sharing the mission and heart of Notre Dame.

While it’s bittersweet for Ashley to leave the amazing FTN/CCPC team, the Annual Giving team is excited to welcome her to this new chapter on the 2nd floor. We’re so lucky to have her—please join me in giving her a warm welcome!

A few fun facts about Ashley:

• She’s on a mission to kayak in all five Great Lakes—only Ontario and Erie to go!

• She adores her dogs: Benny, a 9-year-old miniature schnauzer, and Millie, a 3-year-old Sheepadoodle rescue.

• • Ashley holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in Natural Science and Mathematics with a minor in Psychology, and an Executive Master of Nonprofit Administration from Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business.

• A proud South Bend native, Ashley is a devoted Irish fan—especially when it comes to football, hockey, and both basketball teams. Her favorite part of game days? Seeing campus come alive with blue, green, and gold (and finding the perfect outfit to match the spirit)!

Welcome, Ashley—we’re so glad you’re here!

—Indi

Colleagues,

With joy for Matt Gelchion after tremendous and impactful service to the University in Development, I am writing to share that Matt will be moving to the Enrollment Division to serve as the Executive Director for Enrollment Management. Matt’s last day in Development will be May 2. A plan for his replacement and the AAD team is forthcoming.

Matt has served in a number of roles in Development over the past eight years, including in Storytelling & Engagement and Annual Giving. Since July 1 of last year, Matt has been making his mark as the Senior Director of the Academic Advancement team, recruiting talented new AADs and building a best-in-class team in service to the academic units that they cover and the fundraisers. Prior to his role as Senior Director, Matt served as the AAD for Financial Aid and Student Life where he supported and developed the mental health initiative for Student Affairs and some of the largest gifts to financial aid for the University. It is only fitting that this move takes him to the Division in which he has had much success and that is close to his heart.

A Notre Dame class of 2009 (BA) and class of 2011 (ACE, M Ed) graduate, Matt will continue his service to Our Lady’s University in his new role. I am grateful to Matt for his passion, strategy, and leadership with the AAD team. While he will be missed in our department, I hope that you will join me in congratulating Matt on this opportunity. I wish Matt and his beautiful family – Brittany, Emma Joy, and baby Gelchion – the best in this next chapter.

In Notre Dame,
Michelle

Team,

I am thrilled to announce that Sarah Carruthers will be returning to Development as Associate Director, Law and Graduate Business Annual Giving on April 21. Sarah accepted her offer before the University’s hiring freeze took place. Sarah had previously served in this role from 2018-2021. She led the relaunch and reinvigoration of the Dean’s Circle level and the engagement, solicitation, and stewardship of the School’s and College’s unrestricted annual donors. Most recently, Sarah worked at St. Margaret’s House in South Bend, serving as their Director of Development. In this role, she led their fundraising, acknowledgment, and grant-writing efforts in addition to planning and executing their fundraising events. Sarah is a 2010 graduate of Notre Dame and lives in South Bend with her husband, Tom Scrace, and their son John. Please join me in welcoming Sarah back to Annual Giving and the University!

-Conor Montijo

 

UR Colleagues and Friends,

The Central Region is excited to welcome Cody Bruette as its newest team member! Cody will serve Notre Dame alumni, parents, and friends in the greater Pittsburgh area. His first day will be Monday, April 14.

Cody earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Michigan State University. Prior to joining Notre Dame, Cody worked in agency recruiting and public accounting.

Cody’s wife, Brittany, serves as an assistant athletics trainer for Notre Dame Athletics. Cody and Brittany are proud parents to a son, Carter, and have a daughter due to arrive in late June (a true leadership “gift” before the close of the fiscal year!).

When not at work, you’ll find Cody spending time with his family (including with the family dog, Gunner) or on the golf course.

Please join me in welcoming Cody!

Cheers,
Pete

UR Colleagues and Friends,

I am delighted to share news of the arrival of Jackson Ray Dansky (7 lb 15 oz), born Saturday, April 5!

Mom (Mary) and baby were champs and are doing great. Jackson joins his older sister Skylar as part of the Dansky Family.

Please join me in congratulating Mitch and Mary!

Cheers,
Pete

Colleagues,

I am very pleased to share that Andrew Owens will serve as our new Senior Director of Gift Planning Advancement, effective Monday, April 14, ensuring a seamless transition following Jessica’s departure on April 11. Those who have had the opportunity to work with Andrew know that he is uniquely gifted and is second-to-none in work ethic, integrity, and commitment to Notre Dame’s sacred mission. Andrew has been a key driver of our success in Gift Planning over the last few years, and I have no doubt that his leadership in this new role will drive us to new heights.

Please join me in congratulating Andrew!

TJ

Dear colleagues,

I’m elated to share with you that effective Monday, April 14th, Tim Will will serve as the Associate Academic Advancement Director for the Ethics Initiative and ECG, the Institute for Educational Initiatives and the Alliance for Catholic Education, and ND Learning. I’m thrilled to be working with Tim, and I couldn’t be more excited for our team. Tim brings a wealth of energy, experience, and dedication to the University. Tim joins my “pod” as a teammate, alongside Grace Klise and Jason Stoller.

Prior to joining the Academic Advancement Team, Tim was the External Engagement Program Director for the Pulte Institute for Global Development. In this role, he oversaw communications, event planning, and policy impact with the overarching goal of positively impacting policy and promoting Pulte’s work worldwide. Previously, he spent over a decade working within Notre Dame’s Institute for Educational Initiatives in various capacities to advance the futures of children in Catholic schools.

Tim holds a BA from the University of Pittsburgh, an M.Ed. from the University of Notre Dame, and a Master of Science in Information Systems from DePaul University. He and his wife, Lindsay, have six children.

This was a robust, diligent, and efficient search that led to Tim’s hiring. The resounding and consistent positive feedback I received from those with whom Tim interviewed affirmed him as the top candidate for the job. I am grateful for his continued “yes” to the University of Notre Dame!

Please let me know if you need anything within the next two weeks before Tim settles into the role.

My best,

Mike Macaluso

Colleagues,

I am delighted to share that Diana Elia is joining University Relations as the Senior Office Coordinator in 405 Main Building. In this role, she will serve as the first point of contact for University Relations and Public Affairs & Communications guests in Suite 405 while also providing administrative support for Drew Buscareno. Sharon Rankert, who previously supported Drew, will now be fully dedicated to the Advisory Council program.

A Michiana native and 2019 graduate of Saint Mary’s College, Diana earned a degree in communications with a minor in advertising and public relations. She spent the past five years in Chicago as a Client Solutions Team Support Manager for The ABIS Group. Bilingual and passionate about travel, she enjoys immersing herself in different cultures and building meaningful connections with others both professionally and personally.

Diana accepted this position just before the University’s hiring freeze took effect, and her first day is Monday, March 31. Please feel free to stop by 405 Main Building to introduce yourself and extend a warm welcome to Diana.

My best,
Julia Sama

UR Team,

I am so excited to announce that on 3/15, Kate and her husband Wynn welcomed Seamus John Brown! He was born at 12:58 am, 7lbs 14oz, and 21in. All are doing well!

If you’d like to join their meal train, you can do so here.

-Conor Montijo

Dear Colleagues,

I write to share the bittersweet news that Jessica Brice, our Senior Director of Gift Planning Advancement, will be resigning from her role at the University on April 11th to begin an exciting new chapter.

Since 2019 Jessica has been a cornerstone of the Gift Planning team, playing a vital role in its growth, success, and culture. Her dedication as a fundraiser has resulted in over 150 leadership gifts, totaling an impressive $166M secured in partnership with Regional Development. Since the start of FY24, her leadership as Senior Director has propelled the team to achieve over $637M in planned gift production.

Of course, Jessica’s impact extends far beyond the numbers. She embodies collaboration with her positive, selfless, and servant-hearted approach, always ready to support colleagues and connect with benefactors. Jessica’s presence has consistently brought optimism and encouragement to all who have had the pleasure of working with her. She will be dearly missed.

Jessica’s passion for the outdoors and family will lead her and her husband John to relocate to Utah, near her godchildren and the beauty of the Mountain West. As her last day approaches on Friday, April 11th, please join me in expressing our deepest gratitude to Jessica for her extraordinary contributions to Notre Dame’s mission and wishing her great joy in her next adventure.

TJ