Valparaiso University Appoints new Vice President of Advancement
February 14, 2023 – Valparaiso, Indiana – After a national search, Valparaiso University is pleased to announce that Marie Foster-Bruns has accepted the position of vice president of advancement, effective March 20. Prior to this appointment, Foster-Bruns served as president and CEO of One Region in Northwest Indiana.
In this role, Foster-Bruns will lead all advancement activities and manage a team responsible for fundraising, career services, and alumni relations activities of the University. She will report to President José D. Padilla, J.D., and serve as a member of the president’s cabinet.
“When we began the search for this critical position, I knew we needed someone with senior-level management experience in higher education advancement, as well as solid knowledge and familiarity with Northwest Indiana,” said President Padilla. “Marie brings the energy and passion to lead the advancement team and engage our alumni, donors, and friends towards achievement of the ambitious goals in our strategic plan, Uplift Valpo.”
Most recently, Foster-Bruns served as president and CEO of One Region, an organization advocating for the strategic promotion and growth of NW Indiana. “I have valued my time at One Region and have appreciated working alongside a dedicated board of directors, influential members, and many community partners to build a stronger Northwest Indiana,” said Foster-Bruns.
Prior to that, she was chief experience officer and vice president of the Purdue Alumni Association where she oversaw a staff of 25 in the development and implementation of communication strategies and engagement experiences for students and more than 600,000 alumni worldwide. Additional fundraising experience includes serving as senior director of advancement and development officer at Purdue University Northwest.
“I have always been impressed with Valpo’s intentionality and deep value for humanity,” said Foster-Bruns. “The new Uplift Valpo strategic plan speaks to me as a community leader, educator, and higher education executive. At its core, it celebrates our diverse region, opens the door for deeper collaborations and embraces innovation. I look forward to working with the staff and faculty to move the plan forward and meet with our dedicated alumni and donors.”
Foster-Bruns received a B.S. in education from Purdue University and her MBA from Purdue University Northwest. She is involved with several community-based organizations and was named a 20 Under 40 Award winner by BusINess Magazine. Her volunteer work includes teaching English and Spanish to children in Haiti and Mexico.
The vice president of advancement position became open upon the retirement of Lisa Hollander, who has served in that capacity since 2010. Under Hollander’s leadership, Forever Valpo: The Campaign for Our Future raised more than $302 million, making it the most successful campaign in University history. She will assist Foster-Bruns in a transition period through June 30, 2023.
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