Advancement Office Staff

The Walsh University Advancement Office is responsible for the planning, coordination and implementation of all Giving activities at Walsh University. But what does "advancement" really mean?

Walsh University advancement is the combination of all the interrelated functions of alumni relations, fundraising activities, student recruitment activities, communications and public relations for the school. At Walsh University, the Advancement Office exists to serve the school's entire community. Even with excellent fiscal management, tuition alone does not provide the financial resources necessary to sustain the day-to-day operations and implement the desired improvements that will benefit our students. The Advancement Office takes the dreams and hopes for Walsh's future and ensures that they become realities by seeking new and future resources.

As we continue our mission of providing quality Catholic education for our students it is vital that the Advancement Office succeeds in acquiring these resources. Please feel free to contact an Advancement Office representative from the list below for more information about Walsh University.

Bridgette Neisel Vice President of Advancement and University Relations (330) 490-7337 Bridgette is responsible for the organization and implementation of the University's fundraising, alumni relations and external relations programs, major gifts campaign, annual giving, and corporate and foundation relations.
Karen Hodge Assistant Vice President for Advancement (330) 490-7114 Karen is responsible for preparing and submitting grant proposals to foundations, corporations and government sources, and assisting faculty members as they pursue grant opportunities within their disciplines. She also prepares background research on potential donors for use as the University works to secure external support.
Sharon Sirpilla Director of Gift Planning (330) 244-4746 Sharon is responsible for the administration of lead gifts, capital projects solicitation and all other efforts to increasingly meet fundraising objectives and goals. Her particular focus is identifying, cultivating and successfully soliciting new prospects to the University. In addition, she oversees the Brother Thomas Farrell Heritage Society and manages Walsh University's endowed scholarship program.
Craig Eynon Director of Annual Giving and Donor Relations (330) 490-7280 Craig is responsible for the Walsh Fund, which supports the University's operating budget in the areas of financial aid, library, student and faculty development. His additional Responsibilities include alumni engagement, donor cultivation and volunteer stewardship. Eynon also assists in the coordination and development of external committees.
Daniel Gravo Director of Alumni Relations (330) 244-4752 Dan is responsible for building and cultivating relationships with Walsh's more than 9,000 alumni, making regional visits to meet with alumni, involving alumni in the life of the college, supporting and overseeing the Walsh University Alumni Board of Trustees and planning, organizing and implementing a number of alumni events and functions annually.
Sarah Trescott Advancement Associate (330) 244-4943 Sarah supports several fund raising and alumni relations functions, including planning events and programs that serve the alumni community and assisting with donor solicitation for annual giving. She works closely with all directors on various projects to support the University's goals and initiatives.
Carmela Bendetta Administrative Assistant (330) 490-7111 Carmela supports the Vice President of Advancement and University Relations, assists in internal and external communications of the Advancement Office and serves as the support staff of the Walsh University Women's Committee. She also oversees work-study students within the office, and greets and directs visitors who come to Farrell Hall.
Teresa Griffin Assistant Vice President for University Relations (330) 490-7503 Teresa is responsible for University-wide marketing strategies and standards, including advertising programs, research and planning, and the development of an integrated and creative brand image.
Andrea McCaffrey Director of University Relations (330) 490-7296 Andrea is responsible for all external media relations, which includes meeting with, pitching stories, and writing press releases and features for the press to articulate the breadth and depth of resources, news, accomplishments and events available from Walsh University, its faculty, staff and students. Andrea also serves as the community liaison, handles internal public relations and writes and edits Walsh Times, Walsh Update and the Walsh University E-Newsletter.
Kristin Lindsey Brimfield Marketing Coordinator (330) 490-7695 As marketing coordinator, Kristin assists the University Relations staff with various marketing functions. Primary responsibilities include content management of the University's website, online events calendar and social media network. Responsibilities also include writing and project management of University publications and collateral, as well as photography/videography at designated campus events.
Shane Brown Graphic Designer (330) 490-7116 Shane is responsible for the print development and design of all academic departments and advancement materials at Walsh University, including the design, preparation and execution of direct mail, catalogs, brochures and newsletters, as well as website and interactive presentation development.
Ann-Margaret Lambo Public Relations Specialist (330) 409-3289 Ann-Margaret Lambo is a part-time PR Specialist who assists with news generation, publicity and event coverage. She is responsible for proactively generating story ideas for the University and actively engages with local media. She also functions as a publicist for various Walsh events.
Pat Cauley Coordinator of Advancement Services (330) 490-7289 Pat is responsible for the Banner Advancement module (alumni/development database) including identifying, retrieving and analyzing data in support of the Advancement departments.
Allison Chamberland Data Entry Specialist (330) 490-7113 Allison is responsible for processing gifts, donations and pledges into the University's Banner module, producing acknowledgement letters to donors, pledge notices and reminders, updating constituent information and assisting the Coordinator of Advancement Services.
Lori Geyer Print Services Coordinator (330) 490-7161 Lori coordinates all in-house print projects and maintains print room services for the University.
Connie Lechner Print Room Assistant (330) 490-7162 Connie assists with print production and print room services.