Greetings,
It’s a momentous occasion as we bid farewell to Donna Harter from UMW’s Advancement Office. We invite you to join in celebrating her retirement on May 21, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at the Kalnen Inn. To prepare for the send-off, Catherine Seller is collecting stories, photos, and messages to compile in a memory book. If you have something to contribute, please email cseller@umw.edu or drop them off with Phyllis Jones in the Jepson Alumni Executive Center no later than May 6.
Donna started as the Director of Development Communications part-time in September 2000. Her exceptional leadership led to a promotion to Director of Advancement Campaign Initiatives in 2003. As our office functions evolved, Donna’s analytical and research skills became invaluable, and in 2020, we entrusted her with the role of Director of Prospect Management and Research. Through the years, Donna connected with numerous donors and students to write articles showcasing their successes and contributions to Mary Washington.
Among her many accomplishments:
- Donna directed the development and wrote the text for UMW’s first Giving website.
- Coordinated celebrations and publications for the conclusion of the $5.6 million Jepson Alumni Executive Center campaign.
- Wrote Mary Washington First Campaign communications, developed solicitation plans, and led and stewarded a volunteer Campaign Cabinet.
- Pioneered the successful Founders Day Challenge in 2015, which raised $107,000 in unrestricted funds to celebrate UMW’s 107th anniversary.
- Spearheaded the development of new processes for database prospect management and research.
