Happy Birthday to all our UR colleagues celebrating their special day in July! You light up our department like a firework!

7/2— Annica Hill
7/2— Amber Machowiak
7/2— Cheryl Vowels
7/3— Katherine Lane
7/4— Giovana Heeter
7/5— Ashley Van Avermaete
7/8— Brian Diss
7/8— Brittany Jaso
7/10— Patrick Brennan
7/10— Megan Hale
7/10— Christina Ryan
7/11— Megan Richard
7/14— Anita Sareen
7/14— Lori Tinkey
7/15— Carleen Quinlan
7/15— Justin Zimmerman
7/16— Gail Slevin
7/17— Patty Kokesh
7/17— Teesha Wright
7/18— Kevin Vaughn
7/19— Meghan Buysse
7/19— Susan Lynch
7/20— Jordan Wahlstrom
7/23— Morgan Anthony
7/23— Valerie Plinovich
7/23— Christopher Walsh
7/23— Brandon Williamson
7/27— Arnaud Zimmern
7/30— Jill Calderone
7/30— Josey Kronewitter
7/31— Sammy Kacius

UR Family,

For only the third time in 72 years, the University of Notre Dame has a new president, Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C. This transition in leadership heralds the beginning of a new era for Notre Dame, one marked by tremendous optimism and opportunity.

In this episode of For Good, Father Dowd explains what makes Notre Dame distinctive in all of higher education and discusses how his personal and spiritual journey has given him wisdom, humility, courage, and faith—the hallmarks of a leader capable of guiding Notre Dame into a promising future.

Watch on YouTube →

Listen on Spotify →

– Brandon Tabor

Colleagues,

I write to share the news that Beth Pritchard will be leaving the University as of June 28 to pursue other opportunities. Beth has served as a Regional Director since 2021, working with families in the DC market. We are grateful for her work with benefactors over the last few years and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Best,
Nadia

On behalf of Michelle Joyce, Amanda Retartha, and Ken Camm:

Colleagues and friends,

It is with heavy hearts that we share that Cathy Windeatt passed away peacefully this morning, June 25, in the company of her son Bryan. Cathy bravely fought through health challenges for many years, and met each day with the kind of positivity and resilience that we could only hope to have in the same situation.

Cathy served the University with dedication for 12 years, first as an administrative assistant with Corporate Relations and, more recently, a regional associate with Corporate and Foundation Relations. She was the heart of CFR, and her bright spirit will be deeply missed. Her Notre Dame family meant the world to her, and she had unparalleled love for both Our Lady’s University and her home state of West Virginia.

We will be celebrating Cathy’s life with a prayer service at the Grotto tomorrow (Wednesday) at 4:15pm, and a memorial Mass at the Basilica in August. All are welcome to join, and we ask that you send up your own prayers and thoughts for solace for her family and dear friends.

In Notre Dame,
Michelle, Amanda, and Ken

I am pleased to announce Cristi Ganyard’s promotion to Senior Director for University Stewardship Initiatives as of July 1. Cristi has demonstrated an incredible work ethic, always seeking innovations and efficiencies in her various roles throughout the Department. Having recently celebrated 15 years of exemplary service to the University, she first worked in Philanthropic Strategies and then joined Special Events where she led presidential and executive events for several years. As a project leader, Cristi made a name for herself through her green belt project which changed the way we managed advisory council events.

During the last five years, Cristi has been leading the Stewardship Initiatives team. Similar to the Academic Advancement unit, this team partners with all the colleges, schools, and divisions throughout campus to ensure that University benefactors are stewarded both reactively (through impact and endowment reporting) and proactively (through special touches) to increase philanthropy. During COVID, Cristi led the team in creating and delivering electronic endowment reporting for donors. With the implementation of Ascend we are counting on her to again find new solutions for endowment reporting this fall. We’ll also lean on her for coordinating impact reporting for the For Good Strategic Initiatives.

Cristi has become an extraordinary leader, having mentored our veteran colleagues and attracted incredible new talent. Please join me in congratulating Cristi!

Grateful,
Katherine Lane

Congratulations to Anita Sareen! Effective July 1, 2024, Anita will now serve Our Lady’s University as an Associate Program Director, Development Administration. In her new role as APD, Anita will succeed Roz Palusci in supporting Jerry Barca, Ashley Gerard, and Shaheen Goldrick.

Since 2011, Anita has been a leader on the team, first as a development coordinator and later as an associate director. She has excelled in project management, strategy, process improvement, coaching, and training. Her collaboration with Regional Directors and the broader Development team has consistently uncovered opportunities to enhance fundraising effectiveness. Anita’s diverse talents and enthusiasm for our mission will undoubtedly make her an invaluable asset to the APD Team where she will continue to hone her skills and contribute to Development in new and exciting ways.

When you see Anita please take a moment to thank her for her years of dedication as a manager and mentor to our Development Coordinators and wish her the best of luck in her new role.

-Amy Schell

Please join me in welcoming Abby Utterback to Regional Development as a Development Coordinator (DC). Her first day is Monday, June 24th.

Growing up in Michiana, Abby was a frequent visitor to Notre Dame. She graduated from IUSB with a degree in Sustainability and most recently worked at the Kalamazoo Nature Center as a conservation technician. Previous to that, Abby worked to alleviate local hunger with her efforts as a Garden Education Coordinator with Church Community Services.

Interestingly, she is certified in the handling of pesticides, wildland firefighting (loves the practice of prescribed fires) and the handling of rattlesnakes! Abby spends most of her free time with her tortie cat named Kitty Girl, practicing fiber art, gardening, and hiking.

Welcome to Development, Abby!

-Deena Chamberlin

We are thrilled for Jess and Mike Witous as they welcomed baby George to their family on Thursday, June 20. George is a healthy 5 lbs. 9 oz. Older brother Michael is all ready to jump in and help!

Dear Colleagues,

Please join me in welcoming Grace Van Handel to Regional Development as a Development Coordinator (DC).

Hailing from central Wisconsin, Grace recently celebrated the completion of her MS degree in Management at Notre Dame with a focus in Finance. During that time, Grace served as an Admissions Ambassador for the program. She received her undergraduate degree in Health Science from the University of Wisconsin in 2023 and is passionate about nutrition and trying new healthy recipes.

Professionally, Grace served as the Executive Assistant to the manager of the Minocqua Country Club in Wisconsin where she recruited, trained, and led a staff of more than 30 employees. She loves watching college football, especially Notre Dame, and outdoor hiking. Her first day is Monday, June 24th.

Welcome to Development, Grace!

Angie Dennig

Per Brian’s email, please join us for today’s ND Shares in DeBartolo Hall Room 129 at 3PM. We will have churros from Franky’s Tacos while supplies last. Thank you for your patience and flexibility, and we hope to see you this afternoon!