DeAnna is the face of the UND Alumni Association & Foundation, participating actively with alumni, donors, and the communities touched by the University of North Dakota. Because of her passion, vision, and leadership, we strategically support UND by building relationships, engaging with alumni and friends, and fundraising for the benefit of the University.
When she’s not visiting with alumni, attending a UND Athletics event, or strategizing how to build a better future for our students, you can find DeAnna at Island Lake near Lengby, Minn., with her husband, Wayne, their five children and seven grandchildren.
• BBA, Management and Communication, University of North Dakota
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE)
• Past President, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Great Plains Chapter
• Post-graduate work: Leading Change and Organizational Renewal, Stanford University
DeAnna has worked for the UND Alumni Association & Foundation for 31 years in positions ranging from events to marketing to fundraising. She was instrumental in North Dakota Spirit | The Campaign for UND, which raised $324 million for the benefit of programs, students, educators, and facilities. Since becoming CEO in 2014, she has led a concerted effort to grow scholarship support and build upon the Foundation’s endowment growth. DeAnna is a world-renowned expert on higher education fundraising best practices, presenting to professionals at The Council for Advancement and Support of Education; the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges; Education Technology, Services, and Research; and the Association of Fundraising Professionals.