Advancement Update

Every morning, as I drive through the towering sycamores down The Avenue, I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to have recently joined Saint Mary’s College as vice president for Advancement. My career in fundraising spans 23 years, serving most recently as the chief advancement officer for Culver Academies, and before that as vice president for Development at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and founding director of Women’s Philanthropy at Indiana University.  

In deciding to make this career move, I was drawn to the mission of Saint Mary’s College, the bold new strategic plan, Revere and Revise: Saint Mary’s College 2030, and the opportunity to collaborate with President Katie Conboy. 

I have been particularly inspired by the work of the Advancement division and want to express my gratitude to my predecessor, Shari Rodriguez, who led this division with excellence for 20 years. I feel incredibly fortunate to have joined a superb team of colleagues who dedicate themselves tirelessly to the mission of the College. 

Saint Mary’s College held its 10th Annual Donor Challenge on February 24. I spent the day marveling at the camaraderie and enthusiasm displayed by the entire community. The College held several programmatic offerings that included alumnae, parents, and friends who could not be present for the celebrations on campus. 

I am pleased to share that, thanks to the Saint Mary’s community, this day was an incredible success. Because of  YOU, we exceeded our goal of 4,500 donors! A total of 4,559 donors made gifts, including 3,106 alumnae, 541 parents, 248 students, and 212 faculty/staff. The generosity of this community allowed us to raise $1.15 million, which included $200,000 in challenge gifts for the Saint Mary’s Fund. 

I look forward to seeing many of you on campus soon at one of our two Reunion weekends in June: June 2-5 for our 2s and 7s; and June 9-12 for our 0s, 1s, 5s, and 6s. Reunion is the perfect opportunity for alumnae to reconnect with friends, rediscover the beauty of campus, and explore the exciting changes happening as we look to the future. If you can’t make it to Reunion, I hope to connect with you at an Alumnae Club event soon!

With immense appreciation and gratitude, 

 

Holly C. Johnson
Vice President for Advancement