Faculty and Staff Notes — Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020

As submitted by faculty and staff.

As part of their role in Indiana Humanities’ Speakers Bureau, Liz Wuerffel, associate professor of art, and Allison Schuette, associate professor of English, presented their 90-minute interactive workshop for LaPorte County Public Library. The workshop, “Civil Rights and Backlash: An Urban/Suburban Makeover in Northwest Indiana,” helps participants explore the rise of Gary, Indiana’s black political power and opportunity in the 1960s and ’70s and the “flight” of white residents and businesses to the suburbs.

Nicholas Denysenko, Emil & Elfrieda Jochum University Chair and associate professor of theology, presented a paper (in Ukrainian) titled “Asceticism and Liberation Theology: Partners for Restoring Human Dignity” during the annual Assumption Readings conference hosted by the editorial staff of Spirit and Letter Publishing at the National Kyiv Mohyla Academy in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Sept. 23, 2020.

Leeann Wright, major gifts officer, has been awarded the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Designation. CFRE International has named Leeann Wright as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). Leeann Wright, Major Gifts Officer for Valparaiso University joins over 6,900 professionals around the world who hold the CFRE designation.

Individuals granted the CFRE credential have met a series of standards set by CFRE International which include tenure in the profession, education, and demonstrated fundraising achievement. They have also passed a rigorous written examination testing the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of a fundraising executive, and have agreed to uphold Accountability Standards and the Donor Bill of Rights.

“The CFRE credential was created to identify for the public and employers those individuals who possess the knowledge, skills, and commitment to perform fundraising duties in an effective and ethical manner,” states CFRE International President and CEO Eva E. Aldrich, Ph.D., CAE, (CFRE 2001-2016). “As the certification is a voluntary achievement, the CFRE certification demonstrates a high level of commitment on the part of Leeann Wright to the fundraising profession and the donors who are served.”

CFRE recipients are awarded certification for a three-year period. To maintain certification status, certificants must demonstrate on-going fundraising employment and fundraising results and continue with their professional education. Employers and donors who work with CFREs know they are getting a professional who is committed to the best outcomes for their organization and has the requisite knowledge and skills.

The CFRE certification signifies a confident, ethical fundraising professional. Since 1981, CFRE has set standards for fundraising professionals. As the only globally recognized fundraising certification, CFRE indicates professionalism, confidence, and ethics. It is how today’s fundraiser shows accountability, service, and commitment to making a difference for good. The CFRE certification program is accredited by the American National Standards Institute and is the only accredited certification for fundraising professionals.

CFRE International congratulates Leeann Wright for achieving the CFRE designation.

For more information please visit www.cfre.org