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ACCENT ON AVILA
Members of the Avila University Advancement committee helped Jessie Fuller Clark celebrate receiving the 2012 Medal of Honor during the annual donor barbeque May 17. Pictured, left to right, are: Robert Hartsook, JD, Ed.D.; Virginia Coppinger; Steven Clark; Jessie Fuller Clark; Belinda Troxler ’88; Jeanne Hamilton Olofson ’92, ’94, ’11; and Mark Thompson.
Seasoned fundraiser receives 2012 Medal of Honor Jessie Fuller Clark, CFRE, CSJA, senior director of Advancement since 2003, was bestowed the University’s 2012 Medal of Honor by President Ron Slepitza, Ph.D., and Board of Trustee members Robert F. Hartsook, JD, EdD and Jeanne Hamilton Olofson ’92, ’94, ’11 in a surprise ceremony during the annual donor barbeque held May 17 in Avila’s athletic pavilion. In presenting the award, given to someone who has made significant contributions to Avila, exemplified an attitude of support and loyalty and embodied the mission of the University, Slepitza spoke of Fuller Clark’s devotion to the values of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in all she does. “Few are such strong or effective advocates as Jessie,” Slepitza said. “Few hold our mission more dear. Few have had a greater impact on the University at such a key moment in our history. She’s
not only served Avila, but she has also served the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and St. Joseph Medical Center. She has been, and continues to be, strong in her support of the CSJ mission and ministry in Kansas City.” During her time at Avila, Fuller Clark has helped raise more than $20.6 million to enhance Avila’s academic, physical and spiritual environment. She has been instrumental in securing some of the largest philanthropic gifts in school history, including two J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation challenge grants totaling $1.9 million that helped build Jeanne Collins Thompson Hall and the athletic pavilion, as well as renovate Marian Dining Hall and the anatomy and physiology lab in O’Rielly Hall. Fuller Clark also has tremendously grown Avila’s planned giving program and recognition of planned gift and endowed scholarship donors through
the Heritage Society, more than doubling the number of members over her nine years. “Jessie is one of the best of the best,” said Olofson, one of Fuller Clark’s closest friends. “She embodies all the attributes of the Sisters of St. Joseph whose mission we work to fulfill every day. She has been truly an unsung hero.” “Few institutions are blessed to have such a dedicated philanthropic manager and leader as Avila has in Jessie Fuller,” said Hartsook, chairman, Hartsook Companies and Hartsook Institutes for Fundraising. “For Jessie, a heartfelt thanks and continued friendship would be all she would ask as recognition, but she is deserving of more, much more.” After receiving the award, Fuller commented, “I am surprised and thrilled. I am honored to be able to work alongside Avila alumni, friends, staff and faculty. Avila will be in my heart forever.”