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
Glendale, 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 
Downers Grove,  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.

Robyn Bailes
Sr. Administrative Assistant 
Glendale, AZ
623/572-3784

Robyn provides administrative support to the Office of Development and Alumni Relations on the Glendale campus.  She works closely with the Director of Development and the Manager of Alumni Relations on various projects, special events, meetings, corporate sponsorships and programs, and campaigns.  Her responsibilities include follow up, mailings, acknowledgements, correspondence, and all necessary administrative assistance.  Robyn maintains the Glendale DAR database, processes purchase orders, initiates check requests, and takes care of the departmental deposits and credit card.

Karen Ewing
Manager of Alumni Relations 
Glendale, 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 
Downers Grove, 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.

Jessica Progar
Development & Alumni Relations Assistant 
Downers Grove,  IL
630/515-7657

Jessica is responsible for office organization and administrative work for the Office of Development and Alumni Relation on the  Downers Grove Campus. Jessica helps maintains our alumni database and coordinates and executes various mailings and individual correspondences. Along with preparing purchase orders and check requests, Jessica assists the Director of Development with donor and financial reports. Jessica also assists with special events and various alumni receptions.

Robin Strachan
Manager of Development
Downers Grove, IL
630/515-7323

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

Alex VerVynck
Manager of Alumni Relations
Downers Grove, 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.