Campus Connection

UWL’s new executive director of development returns to her alma mater 

Many people fall into fundraising the way I fell in love with UW-La Crosse: gradually, then all at once. 

Growing up in the Coulee Region, I spent many summers learning to swim in Mitchell 

Hall and frequenting the Kids Coulee in Myrick Park. I can still taste the chocolate-peanut Mr. D’s donuts and the first spring batch of Rudy’s cheese curds. These traditions continued into my time as a student at UWL in O.O. White Hall struggling to get up in time for 7:45 a.m. Spanish class. 

As a 2007 alumna, I reflect fondly on my time on campus and the experiences my UWL education provided. These experiences have supported my career as a development professional focused on philanthropic investment as a catalyst for making the dream of higher education attainable for all. 

I am humbled to serve as the executive director of development for the UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation, the first person to serve in this role! I am proud to be building and leading a team of development professionals cultivating lifelong relationships and securing private support to advance UWL. I believe that philanthropy is the key lever in ensuring institutional quality and supporting institutional change. 

Like many true loves, mine has changed in the 17 years I have been away. My beautiful university has new buildings, new degree options and new challenges. Together, we have grown and matured in not such different ways. I admire and respect the strength and wisdom of our university, and I acknowledge the limitless opportunity of what’s to come.