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Lourdes University President Mary Ann Gawelek is pleased to announce the appointment of Vicki J. Stouffer, CFRE, as Lourdes University’s new Vice President for Institutional Advancement. In this Cabinet-level role, Ms. Stouffer is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive program that includes donor identification and cultivation, major gifts, external relations, planned giving and more. With nearly 15 years of higher education advancement experience, Ms. Stouffer has led successful initiatives in planned giving, annual and capital campaigns, and alumni and donor relations. Prior to her appointment at Lourdes University, she was the Assistant Dean, Medical School Development, at Central Michigan University’s College of Medicine. From 2012 to 2016, Ms. Stouffer served as the Associate Dean of Development and Alumni Relations at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. During her tenure, she increased total giving each year, directed a $35M comprehensive campaign, and led the team responsible for the highest financial attainment in the school’s history. Her resume also includes mid- and senior-level positions at Case Western’s School of Law, Oberlin College and the Perrysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau. A Certified Fund Raising Professional (CFRE), Ms. Stouffer has completed 100+ hours of additional education in fundraising and volunteer development. She earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Findlay and a bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University. “I am excited to join President Gawelek, the Lourdes University Board of Trustees, and the Advancement staff as we work together to strengthen philanthropy and alumni engagement that will benefit Lourdes University students, faculty, programs, and the local community. The University has a strong history and an exciting future; I am thoroughly impressed with President Gawelek and the Board of Trustees’ passion and vision,” says Ms. Stouffer. She will assume her duties on April 2, 2018. “The Board and I are confident in Vicki’s leadership to propel our university to the next level. Working with a talented team, she will place our institution on a course to establish and nurture new connections and philanthropic relationships; enhance and strengthen current corporate, foundation and government relations; and increase Lourdes’ visibility in and outside the region,” adds Dr. Gawelek. Lourdes University Rooted in the Catholic and Franciscan tradition, Lourdes University is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis, and offers baccalaureate degrees in a variety of academic majors as well as graduate degrees in business, education, nursing, organizational leadership, social work, and theology. Community outreach programs include the Appold Planetarium, the Center for Science Education & the Environment, and Lifelong Learning. A member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, Lourdes students can also compete in a variety of men’s and women’s sports. Named a “Best in the Midwest” college by the Princeton Review, Lourdes University is a nationally accredited, veteran and transfer-friendly institution offering a variety of student scholarships. Explore the possibilities online at www.lourdes.edu or by phone at 419-885-3211.