EIU Media Relations

EIU Names New Director of Development

Jun-11-2004

Although her formal title stands as "director of development," Madelynn Arana suggests that an appropriate substitute might be "match maker."

"Academic departments have certain needs and individual donors know what's important to them," she said. "I perform a match-making service; I find a way to match the two."

In announcing Arana's June 1 appointment, Karla Evans, Eastern Illinois University 's executive director of development, noted that Arana will assume development activities for both the College of Arts and Humanities and the College of Sciences . Her office will be located in the Neal Welcome Center .

"I am thrilled that Madelynn Arana has joined us," Evans said. "Her more than 17 years of professional fundraising experience will be invaluable as the university begins a three-year multi-million dollar campaign."

Arana eventually plans to move to the Charleston area; currently, however, she makes the daily commute from Bloomington , Ill. , where she most recently served as the chief development professional for Illinois State University 's College of Arts and Sciences. That college, Arana said, has 16 departments and represents nearly 50 percent of the university's faculty and students.

"What I did at ISU is the same kind of work I will be doing here at Eastern," Arana said. And that, she added, is to "ignite the spirit of giving."

According to both Evans and Arana, a key to Eastern's development efforts will be their success in building "a culture of philanthropy" throughout the university.

"Fundraising is essentially a team sport," explained Arana. "I'll be helping educate the campus community about the various roles and how each of us contribute to the process," Arana said.

Evans said she is planning a series of orientation, training and welcoming opportunities this month, allowing Arana to meet the various faculty and staff who she will be working with during the coming months.

According to Evans, Arana brings more than 17 years of professional fundraising experience to Eastern, including success in acquiring funds from international, national and local sources (i.e., corporations, foundations and individuals).

In addition to her work at ISU, Arana has developed several fund-raising campaigns for not-for-profit organizations; has designed projects, submitted funding proposals and made solicitation presentations to local, regional, national and international grant-making organizations and businesses in Guatemala and the United States; has developed fund-raising strategies for not-for-profit organizations; and has cultivated donor prospects and solicited major gifts and volunteer support.

Her memberships include the Association of Arts and Sciences Advancement Professionals, the National Committee on Planned Giving, the Central Illinois Planned Giving Council, the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education and the Association for Fundraising Professionals.