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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
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
Beatrice Sanford
Planned Giving Specialist
Bea is a consummate professional and natural connector whose deep expertise in estate planning, across both the private sector and higher education. This experience, combined with her understanding of the power of relationships and service make her a trusted and discreet partner to those thoughtfully and confidentially planning their legacy gifts.
beatrice.sanford@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
Maria Rooney
Engagement Specialist
Maria, a recent Ave Maria graduate, radiates the very best of an Ave education. She has a deep faith, exudes unwavering joy, and has the uncanny ability to listen, understand, and authentically share the Gift of Ave with warmth and conviction.
maria.a.rooney@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