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Alumni Testimonials

Alumni Testimonials

Alumni profiles

Our alumni are leaders in the field of philanthropy. See the many different ways they are leading, creating, and advocating for a better world.

Making an impact in philanthropy

John Ferguson, B.A. ‘16

A journey reimagined: Discovering a future in philanthropy

Ericia Henry, M.A. ’24

Communications role led to graduate studies in philanthropy

Abby Rolland, M.A. ’20

A career focused on giving back leads to a master’s degree and fellowship

Andrew Spector, M.A. ’22

2025 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient takes a quiet approach to her work

Sarah Nathan, Ph.D. ’13

Patterson Fellowship creates a solid launchpad for philanthropic career

Connor LaGrange, M.A. ’21

Philanthropy Leadership degree leads to career as immigration attorney

Kirat Goraya, B.A. ’16, J.D. ‘20

Giving back by creating a nonprofit for youth

Shanel Poole, MA ‘17

Shanel’s story

Finding purpose through philanthropy: A journey to meaningful impact

Stephanie Green, B.A. ’24

Stephanie's story

Two degrees combine to create ideal career

Kelsey Harrington, B.A. ’19

“It was a game changer for me, it was pivotal.”

Mason Rummel, M.A. '14

Turning a passion into a career

Emma Rota-Autry, B.A. ’23

From philanthropy student to nonprofit executive director

Madison Hanna, B.A. ‘22

Madison's story

Michael Zimmerman

Reflections of a master’s degree in philanthropy

Michael Zimmerman, M.A.'21

Michael’s story

Erin Wuertz, B.A.’18

Living the dream

Erin Wuertz, B.A.’18

Kelsey Harrington

Making her passion her profession

Kelsey Harrington, B.A.’19

Kelsey’s story

Abby Rolland

Earning a master’s: My journey of discovery

Abby Rolland, M.A.'20

Tee shirt that says improving philanthropy to improve the world

Nine charitable subsectors, nine alumni, and nine responses to COVID-19

Nine alumni

Josh Moore

Opportunities abound: How to make the most of your degree

Josh Moore, M.A.’17

Matthew Ehlman

Philanthropy in America: Rural, empowering, collaborative

Matthew Ehlman, Ph.D.'18

Matthew’s story

Marina Tan Harper

‘Tremendous, transformative experience’

Marina Tan Harper, Ph.D.'19

Marina’s story

Hannah Saeger Karnei

‘Different, more, better’: Driving philanthropy forward

Hannah Saeger Karnei, M.A.'19

Hannah’s story

Bryan Roesler, M.A./M.P.A.'09 and Ashleigh Graves-Roesler, M.A.'09

Redefining a career through service

Bryan Roesler, M.A./M.P.A.'09 and Ashleigh Graves-Roesler, M.A.'09

Bryan’s story

Angela Logan

Empowering communities in need

Angela Logan, Ph.D.'14

Angela’s story

Kelly Mitchell

‘Studying philanthropy gives you the tools to serve in multiple ways’

Kelly Mitchell, M.A.'10

Kelly’s story

Brad Milius

Fostering a culture of philanthropy

Brad Milius, M.A./M.P.A.'11

Joshua Humbert

One alum’s outlook on philanthropy, diversity, and social capital

Joshua Humbert, M.A.'15

Joshua’s story

JoAnna Ness, M.A. ’18

Conducting a community foundation’s communications

JoAnna Ness, M.A.’18

JoAnna’s story

Andrew Thomas

Serving the city, serving the country, serving the world

Andrew Thomas, B.A.’18

Andrew’s story

Kayla Plummer, B.A. ’18

‘If you want to help people, this is the best place to be’

Kayla Plummer, B.A.’18

Kayla’s story

Melynne Klaus

‘Find your passion, work hard, and set high goals’

Melynne Klaus, M.A./M.P.A.’03

Melynne’s story

Kyla McEntire

Master’s alumna applies practical knowledge to fundraising career

Kyla McEntire, M.A.'15

Eric Richards

From politics to philanthropy: the making of a master’s alum

Eric Richards, M.A.'05