Meet the Alumni and Development Staff

Karen D. Johnson, Ph.D.
Vice President, University Relations

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, and the health sciences. She has recently been named a Top Young Executive by The Business Ledger in Chicago and as one of the Forty Under 40 by The Business Journal in Phoenix.

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

As Senior Development Officer Christine coordinates the development efforts for the Glendale Campus. This includes corporate sponsorships, grant writing, personal solicitations, direct mail appeals, donor cultivation 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
630/515-7373

Barbara provides leadership and direction for all Alumni & Development Programs. 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, and she works with MWU Glendale development staff in donor cultivation and solicitation.

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

Helen is responsible for Scholarship Management, from applications to financial aid. She coordinates on- and off-campus events and receptions and develops a network for Alumni Benefits. Helen also facilitates class gift management, donor recognition, and relationships with outside vendors, as well as donor expansion and linkage. She also conducts Project Research for the Director, creates reports, and manages project timelines and contracts through CARS and Target-X.

Karen Ewing
Manager, Alumni Relations & Special Projects – AZ
623/572-3780

Karen coordinates alumni cultivation and outreach programs for the Glendale Campus, including the Glendale Alumni Leadership Council, e-communications, alumni leadership for college-specific programs and alumni interaction with students. She integrates these efforts with the fund-raising and corporate sponsorship goals of the Office of University Relations, which encompasses oversight of the annual alumni fund campaign and coordinating college class gift campaigns. Karen also assists with community relations, media relations, and public relations initiatives within the department, and represents the University in the community, at alumni events, and campus special events.

Lois Fehse
Manager of Development – 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 for the Illinois and Arizona campuses. Lois prepares various donor and fundraising reports for both Midwestern University campuses.

Damienne C. Souter
Development & Alumni Specialist - IL
630/515-7373

Damienne develops and manages annual fund campaigns and identifies and cultivates new funding sources. She directs the annual golf outing and other alumni events, develops alumni e-newsletter, and works closely with the colleges to enhance and strengthen existing and emerging alumni associations. Damienne also develops marketing materials to attract a broad range of corporate and alumni support for existing and emerging special events.

Rosemary Kraetsch
Administrative Assistant – IL
630/515-6123

Rosemary provides administrative support for the planning and coordination of fund raising activities for the Office of Development and Alumni Relations. She maintains department databases, files, and records for alumni, non-alumni, donors, corporations, and foundations. Rosemary also assists with mass mailings related to fundraising and alumni-related projects and processes check requests and purchase orders.

Lisa Hellman
Manager, Development
630/515-7323

Serves as an Alumni Relations professional in the office of Development and Alumni Relations for the Downer's Grove Campus. She is responsible for identifying and cultivating prospective donors, and developing fundraising initiatives among corporate and alumni constituents. She regularly travels to make prospect visits and attends alumni conferences. Lisa contributes to a comprehensive fundraising and alumni program for MWU. She is also responsible for the development of corporate, planned giving and major giving initiatives.