Meet the Alumni and Development Staff

Karen D. Johnson, Ph.D.
Vice President, University Relations - IL and AZ
630/515-7184

Since 1994, Karen Johnson has been directing the external relations efforts of Midwestern University at both its Downers Grove, IL, and Glendale, AZ, campuses. As Vice President of University Relations, she oversees the offices of admissions, development and alumni relations, and marketing and communications for the University’s graduate and professional programs in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, dental medicine, optometry, and the health sciences.

Christine Clouse, M.A.
Director of Development - AZ
623/572-3286

As Director of Development Christine coordinates the development efforts for the Glendale Campus. This includes major gifts, corporate sponsorships, grant writing, personal solicitations, donor cultivation, planned giving, and stewardship. Working closely with senior administrative and academic leaders Christine develops fund-raising initiatives among business, alumni, and community constituents and assists them in gift planning including special campaigns, commemorative opportunities, and named student scholarships.

Barbara Wysocki
Director, Development & Alumni Relations - IL
630/515-6321

Barbara provides leadership and direction for all Alumni & Development Programs on the Downers Grove Campus. She collaborates with the Administrative Team, Deans, Department Chairs, staff and volunteer leadership to identify, cultivate, and solicit gifts to benefit MWU. In addition, Barbara works with donor constituencies to ensure that their philanthropic support of MWU is appropriately received, recorded and recognized.

Helen Chong
Development & Alumni Relations Assistant – IL
630/515-7267

Helen provides general administrative support for the Office of Development and Alumni Relations. She prepares statistical information for the Director of Development & Alumni Relations and maintains alumni records using the CARS database system. Helen also assists in special events such as alumni reunions.

Karen Ewing
Manager of Alumni Relations – AZ
623/572-3780

Karen develops and coordinates alumni relationships and outreach programs for the Glendale campus, including the Glendale Alumni Leadership Council, e-communications, alumni web pages, special events, and alumni receptions at professional conferences. She is the Glendale campus liaison for the Alumni Senate, represents the University at alumni events on a local and national level, and participates in campus special events.

Lois Fehse
Manager of Development & Administrative Services – IL
630/515-7329

Lois works with the Director of Development to identify key donors and develop fund raising strategies and campaigns. She maintains annual and cumulative donor giving clubs that are listed in annual stewardship report and manages the CARS database for development/alumni relations. Lois prepares various donor and fundraising reports.

Lisa Hellman, M.A.
Manager of Development - IL
630/515-7323

Lisa is responsible for identifying and cultivating prospects/donors and developing fundraising initiatives among constituents, university-wide. Lisa's fundraising efforts consist of major gifts, special events and campaigns, faculty/staff giving, corporate and foundation support, online giving and planned giving. Lisa manages the Heritage Circle, donors who have included MWU in their estate plans. Lisa regularly travels to make prospect/donor visits and to host alumni events nation-wide, raising awareness of the University.

Laura Lewis
Development & Alumni Relations Administrative Assistant - AZ
623/572-3784

Laura provides general administrative support for the Office of Development and Alumni Relations for the Glendale campus. She assists the Director of Development with corporate sponsorships and direct mail appeals in addition to assisting the Manager of Alumni Relations with alumni projects and events.

Alex VerVynck
Manager of Alumni Relations - IL
630/515-7314

Alex acts as a liaison between Midwestern University and the Downers Grove Campus alumni to implement a strategic vision to foster strong alumni connections. He works closely with the colleges to enhance and strengthen existing and emerging alumni councils by facilitating opportunities for alumni involvement. Alex organizes and coordinates alumni events, programs and activities on the Downers Grove campus, along with local and national alumni receptions. Alex also handles e-communications and alumni web pages for the Downers Grove Campus.