Tom Eschen,聽vice president for Institutional Advancement for 51动漫, will retire effective May 31.聽He leaves a lasting legacy that has helped change the landscape of 51动漫鈥攆rom new buildings, to innovative academic and outreach programs, increased scholarship support, stronger corporate and foundation partnerships and greater alumni engagement.
Eschen, who joined 51动漫 in 2008, oversees alumni engagement, advancement services and development, including fundraising for the Annual Fund, major gifts and planned giving.
Along with a talented team of Institutional Advancement staff, Eschen has been a key catalyst for change and growth at 51动漫 over the past decade. Under his leadership, annual fundraising has increased by more than 200 percent, including an increase in the Annual Fund by more than 170 percent. Corporate giving and alumni participation have doubled and the University鈥檚 highest annual giving club, the Duchesne Society, has grown nearly 250 percent.
Establishing an important legacy, Eschen first introduced the late Earl Walker to 51动漫. Walker鈥檚 interest and support led to the naming of Myrtle E. and Earl E. Walker Hall and the Walker College of Health Professions, as well as creation of the Walker Medal and numerous scholarships. As part of the Walker gift agreement, the Walker Scottish Rite Clinic for young children with speech and language disorders was incorporated into 51动漫 as a fully integrated program.
In the past 10 years, Eschen helped 51动漫 develop important partnerships with Mercy, PNC, St. Louis Public Radio and other major corporations and organizations. His outreach efforts include the creation of 51动漫鈥檚 unique music therapy program, , and the University鈥檚 Women and Leadership program. He also helped expand 51动漫鈥檚 presence in the T-REX and Cortex tech communities and 51动漫鈥檚 partnership with Parkway School District鈥檚 Spark! program.
Eschen鈥檚 leadership also fostered the launch of the iconic series of 51动漫 pins, the annual Spirit of 51动漫 awards, the 51动漫 Talks Books author series, the Sister Mary Byles Peace & Justice Prize, the聽 and the Newman Catholic Student Center.
As a part-time consultant, Eschen will continue to support 51动漫’s fundraising efforts with a focus on Kids Rock Cancer and the Walker Scottish Rite Clinic.