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Ave Maria University · Office of Advancement
Contact Us
Our team is here to help you make a meaningful impact at Ave Maria University. Reach out to any of our staff members below.
Office of University Advancement
Zena Weist
Vice President Advancement, Marketing & Communications
With more than 25 years of leadership experience across nonprofit, higher education, start-up, and Fortune 500 organizations, Zena is passionate about connecting donors, alumni, and communities to transformative missions that form leaders for the Church and the world.
zena.weist@avemaria.edu
Jim Thomas
Vice President of Advancement
Jim leads the Advancement Team at Ave Maria University, an extraordinary group dedicated to serving the mission by making meaningful connections, one conversation at a time, with those who desire to help Ave Maria form future saints who will serve God and the world.
jim.thomas@avemaria.edu
Patrick O'Connell
Principal Gift Officer
Pat brings 30 years of advancement experience, including eight at Ave Maria. He builds trusted relationships nationwide and, with calm integrity and respect, he has guided hundreds of folks in a personal way to advance the mission of Ave Maria University.
patrick.oconnell@avemaria.edu
Colleen Dolnick
Engagement Officer
Colleen, a three-year veteran of Ave Maria and years of experience in health care philanthropy. She brings warmth, humor, and authenticity to every conversation. She has a gift for hospitality that makes every person she meets feel welcomed and valued.
colleen.dolnick@avemaria.edu
Brigid Luzarraga
Engagement Specialist
Brigid, a New York–trained attorney and decade-long Ave Maria resident. She is an advancement professional whose empathy, experience, and deep love for Ave Maria University and its extraordinary impact make her a trusted partner to donors and colleagues alike.
brigid.luzarraga@avemaria.edu
Annie Esposito
Sr. Director of Mission Advancement
Annie leads our Mission Advancement Specialists, bringing more than 20 years of experience building strong, mission-driven teams rooted in trust, communication, and a shared commitment to excellence. A proud parent of two current students at Ave Maria University, her connection to Ave is both deeply personal and professional.
Annie.Esposito@avemaria.edu
Matthew Buzzanca
Engagement Officer
Matt, a long-time Ave Maria resident and proud parent of multiple graduates, understands firsthand the transformative impact of philanthropy on students’ lives and brings authenticity, professionalism, and trustworthiness to every relationship he serves.
matthew.buzzanca@avemaria.edu
Marita Emond
Engagement Officer (Michigan)
Marita, one of Ave Maria’s first graduates, represents the University to our friends in Michigan and the Midwest with authenticity and conviction. Having lived the Ave story herself, she brings an experienced and servant’s heart to connecting donors to opportunities that create tremendous impact.
marita.emond@avemaria.edu
Becca Kennedy
Administrative Partner
Becca, an Ave Accounting alumna of six years, joined the Advancement Team after a season of dedicated service as a middle school math teacher. As our team’s administrative partner, she helps everyone. If you need assistance, she will help you, or find someone who can.
becca.kennedy@avemaria.edu
Stephanie Hayner
Events Manager
Stephanie is a 2022 psychology and theology graduate of AMU who has a passion for events! She has been with the university for 3 years now and is simultaneously working at her theology master’s degree. She can’t wait to inspire in your soul the God given mission AMU is living out every day through the service to our students at our next event!
stephanie.hayner@avemaria.edu
Meagan Schneider
University Relations Manager
MI native who followed AMU to FL in 2007. Proud mother of ten (five alumni, two current students). Meagan is passionate about AMU’s mission and bridging the student journey to lifelong alumni engagement.
Meagan.Schneider@avemaria.edu
Alanna McCann
Mission Advancement Specialist
Alanna fell in love with the Lord during her time at AMU, and now works to advance AMU's mission so future students can experience that same gift. Her interactions are marked by authentic joy and she strives to bring Christ's love into every encounter.
Alanna.F.McCann@avemaria.edu
Sean Kelly
Mission Advancement Specialist
Sean, a recent AMU graduate, brings new ideas and exciting perspective to the team. His passion for the Lord and giving back to others is the driving force for his work. Having experienced donor impact firsthand, he hopes to help his successors feel the same level of appreciation.
Sean.E.Kelly@avemaria.edu
Joseph Blaso
Mission Advancement Specialist
Joseph, a proud Ave Maria University alumnus, has returned to AMU after seven years of experience in software. Inspired by the University’s strong Catholic identity and mission to form future Catholic leaders, Joseph brings a warm, attentive presence and enjoys connecting with others to share the impactful stories of Ave Maria University students.
Joseph.C.Blaso@avemaria.edu