Happy birthday to all our UR employees celebrating their special days in August! Soak up the sunshine!

8/2—Colleen Cross
8/2—Adria Logan
8/1—Michelle McDaniel
8/12—Amber Cerveny
8/12—Katie Edel
8/12—Melissa Medina
8/13—Sean Carroll
8/13—Jami Radcliff
8/14—Lauren Dolzan
8/16—Brian Benedict
8/16—Michael Infantine
8/18—Tim Kelly
8/18—Brandon Stewart
8/19—TJ Alford
8/19—Brent Henningfeld
8/19—Julia Sama
8/20—Marty Harshman
8/22—Jennifer Milliron
8/23—Shaheen Goldrick
8/23—Amanda Retartha
8/24—Mary Lake
8/27—George West
8/30—Abbey Johnson
8/30—Molly Lenaburg
8/30—Michelle Varda

Dear Colleagues,

For the past 15 months, Monica May has served as a Communications and Data Analyst for Gift and Data Management, overseeing daily and yearly acknowledgments and our memorial-giving process. Last month, Monica’s husband, Tyler, received a wonderful opportunity with Notre Dame Federal Credit Union to take on a newly created position in Arizona. Today, July 31, is Monica’s last day. We wish Monica and her family the best as they take on their new adventure!

Since he started with our team in October 2022, Steve Horstmann has been a tremendous addition to our team. He is a team player and a quick study. His attention to detail and customer service is second to none. I’m excited to announce that Steve has accepted a promotion from Gift Management Program Coordinator to Communications and Data Analyst. Please join me in congratulating Steve and welcoming him to his new role!

In gratitude to both Monica and Steve,
Alyssa

The Central Region would like to welcome Joe Feeks to the UR Family and to the Central Region team. Joe joins us from the Ford Motor Company where he worked in sales and service with some of the top dealers in the country. He is originally from South Bend and he looks forward to serving the mission of Notre Dame, noting that “Our family is rich with Blue and Gold history.” Joe and his wife, Grace (“Gracie”), have two children, Indiana (“Indy”) and William (“Liam”). Joe is a racing and automotive enthusiast who is “in his happy place” when behind the wheel at the go kart track. He and Gracie enjoy game nights featuring board games, euchre, or TRIVIA. Joe will be a Tier 2 fundraiser primarily focused on Indianapolis and Cincinnati and his first day will be Wednesday, August 2nd. Congratulations, Joe, and welcome to the team!

-Jason Scarlett

Dearest Colleagues,

It is with bittersweet emotion that I announce the departure of Sarah Nugent from the Development Coordinator team and the University of Notre Dame. Sarah’s last day will be August 4th, 2023.

Sarah has been an integral part of the Development Team as both a DC and, ultimately, a Regional Associate. She has worked as a leader of the RA Guiding Coalition, lead for our Social and Recreational focus area, and has been a valued member of the DC Resource team. Her wisdom, hard work, training, mentorship, and, especially, her enthusiasm have made working with her an absolute joy!

Please join us in congratulating Sarah and wishing her the best in this next chapter in her life!

Thank you,
Tashana Kenny

It is my privilege to announce and recognize the following colleagues who have received tier promotions for FY24. Please join me in celebrating and congratulating them — for their willingness to take on the increased goals and responsibilities, and moreover, their steadfast performance over time.

Tier 3: Pete Hlabse and Susan Lynch
Tier 4: Mike Connaughton and Dylan Reed
Tier 5: Aaron Wall

Congratulations Pete, Susan, Mike, Dylan, and Aaron, and know we look forward to celebrating you in person at the UR Summit!

– Sara

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to my University Relations colleagues for all the kind notes and well-wishes that I received on the occasion of my recent retirement. Twenty-seven years sounds like a long time, but it went by in a flash!

Eileen Gieselman

Team,

Three leadership roles on the Annual Giving team are open. If you’re curious, let’s talk!

👉 Senior Director, Annual Giving

👉 Director, Leadership Annual Giving

👉 Senior Associate Director, Athletics Annual Giving

God Bless and Go Irish!
Brandon Tabor

Please join me in welcoming TJ Alford. He is joining the Development team as a Regional Director on the Chicago Team. Prior to his arrival at Notre Dame, TJ served as the Assistant Athletics Director for Development at the University of Illinois Chicago. He oversaw all fundraising efforts for the athletic department. Prior to UIC, TJ spent five years in the Sunshine State working as the Director of Sales at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, the premier multi-purpose facility at Florida State University and home to the men’s and women’s basketball programs. In his role, he generated significant revenue while overseeing all premium sales and arena sponsorships. Prior to starting at the Tucker Center, TJ spent two years as a Service & Retention Consultant for FSU Athletics and Seminole Boosters. He oversaw sales, marketing, and solicitation of new business opportunities for group sales while serving as the primary contact for more than 1,500 donors, season ticket holders, and boosters. TJ is an alum of Southern Illinois University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Sports Administration. He and his wife, Ashton, live in Granger with their two children. His first day at Notre Dame will be August 2.

– Jerry Barca

Prospect Management and Research is thrilled to welcome back Elicia Dennis to University Relations! Starting Monday, July 24, Elicia will serve the NY Metro Region as our newest Prospect Management Consultant.

Elicia joins us from the College of Arts and Letters and their Office of Communications, where she managed a portfolio of over 100 websites and led web strategy, including multiple award-winning site redesigns. Prior to this role, she was an intern in University Relations, first with Annual Giving and then with Stewardship. Elicia also currently serves as President of Notre Dame’s Black Faculty and Staff Association.

Originally from Denver, Colorado, Elicia earned a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and a Master of Science in data science from Notre Dame. She and her boyfriend, Raymond, now reside in Mishawaka with their two dogs: Hope and Buckley.

Please join me in welcoming Elicia to our team!

Jonathan Retartha

Dear Colleagues,

The first fall renewal mailing (renew #1) is dropping in mailboxes starting Thursday, July 20 to all our unrestricted and giving society benefactors. As a reminder, this mailing is sent to all assigned and unassigned benefactors whose annual giving is less than $25,000, asking them to renew their previous calendar year gift by their respective fund owner. This mailing is being sent to over 26,000 households and will be followed by email reminders in the weeks to come. If you have any questions regarding our renewal strategy, please reach out to the appropriate fund (Sorin, Rockne, Law, etc.) owner on the annual giving team and they can assist.

Thanks!
Annual Giving Team