ALUMNAE RELATIONS 405 Derham Hall 651.690.6666 OFFICE HOURS 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
RUTH HAAG BROMBACH ’60
KAREN JOTHEN MAOL’06
of 41 percent students of color and, unlike before, we also serve associate and graduate students. So, in addition to our signature events — like Reunion and Conversation with Books — we offer young alumnae networking and professional development opportunities like Katie Smarts and Katies Connect. Our service extends to students as well. We pair them with alumnae in The Reflective Woman interviews and during our Citizen Katie day of service. Brombach: Last fall, we initiated a four-part online continuing education series that graduates can participate in at their convenience. Way back, when alumnae were available during the day, they came to a meeting at 10 in the morning and stayed for the day. Now, people are very busy and we structure our activities and events in the evening or weekends. As women’s lives have changed over the years, we have wanted to accommodate those changes. That’s part of our job — to be as creative as we can be. Jothen: One other responsibility is supporting the University’s mission and vision. We do this through the Alumnae Council and its 14 working groups. For example, our College for Adults Committee helps the administration shape curriculum and services for adult students.
Brombach: Going back in history again — we’ve always helped to address needs where they existed. Our religious Sisters were not allowed to solicit money, so alumnae said they would — and in the 1950s, the association began the annual fund. We organized and held Fontbonne Fairs in Fontbonne Hall to raise money for building St. Joseph Hall, which is now Coeur de Catherine. We ran the first mailroom because we generated the most mail.
Q:
Speaking of fundraising, why is it important for alums to donate?
Brombach: External organizations, like banks, foundations and research organizations, consider alumnae giving as they evaluate St. Kate’s for a loan, a grant or in ranking us as compared to peer universities.
Q:
What is the percentage of alumnae giving?
Q:
Okay, that makes sense. Can we talk about your anniversary? What’s the plan?
Jothen: We’re working out the details, but it’ll be a yearlong celebration that begins this June and ends in May 2018. So, watch for more information in your emails and mailboxes. Brombach: We’ll have fun at Reunion 2017! We will have a display that will include the high points of the accomplishments of all the University presidents through Sister Andrea Lee, and we’re going to weave in the assistance of alumnae over those years. Jothen: Yes. Katies are doers; they always jump in when we need them. Our anniversary will also celebrate their leadership contributions and dedication to St. Kate’s. Read the full interview at stkate.edu/ar
Brombach: It’s about 10 percent. Jothen: And we would like to increase it. Other private institutions average 20 to 50 percent alumnae who donate.
stkate.edu
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