Carlson Zink Receives CASE Commonfund Foundation Award

DeAnna Carlson Zink, Chief Executive Officer of the University of North Dakota Alumni Association & Foundation (UNDAAF), has been named a 2026 recipient of the prestigious CASE Commonfund College and University Foundation Award.

The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) award recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the advancement, quality, and effectiveness of their foundations. The award is underwritten by the Commonfund Institute, which provides investment management services to nonprofit organizations and other institutions.

Carlson Zink has led the UNDAAF since 2014 and has worked for the organization for more than 35 years.

"I am deeply honored to receive the 2026 CASE Commonfund College and University Foundation Award," Carlson Zink said. This work is truly an honor — to partner with generous alumni and friends, bring their passions to life, and help create a brighter future for UND students. I am grateful for the relationships and shared purpose that have shaped this journey." 

Under Carlson Zink's leadership, the UNDAAF has seen significant fundraising success. In 2025, she led Forever UND: The Campaign for the University of North Dakota to exceed its initial $500 million goal 20 months ahead of schedule, subsequently championing an increased target of $625 million. She has also overseen two consecutive record-breaking fundraising years in 2024 and 2025.

"Let me offer my heartfelt congratulations to DeAnna on this well-deserved honor,” said UND President Andrew Armacost. “She has been an amazing catalyst for the incredible success of our UND campus. DeAnna leads with integrity, purpose, and a genuine love for this university, and her impact will be felt for generations. No one is more deserving of this award.”

 

Beyond her work at UND, Carlson Zink is a dedicated volunteer for CASE. She currently sits on the College and University Foundation Leadership Committee and served as chair of the Conference for College and University Foundations in 2024.

"I attended my first CASE meeting in 1986, and from the very beginning, CASE has been a valued partner and community,” said Carson Zink. “I’ve been fortunate to work alongside extraordinary professionals across the advancement field who share a deep belief in the power of philanthropy.”
The other recipient for 2026 is Ginny DeSanto, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Arizona State University’s ASU Enterprise Partners. 

"DeAnna Carlson Zink and Ginny DeSanto exemplify the very best of foundation leadership and CASE volunteerism," said Sue Cunningham, President and CEO of CASE. "Through their commitment to their work, they have strengthened their institutions and expanded opportunities for countless students. Beyond their extraordinary professional achievements, they have been steadfast champions of the advancement profession, generously giving their time and expertise to CASE and the broader education community." 

The awards will be presented to Carlson Zink and DeSanto on April 9, 2026, during the CASE Conference for College and University Foundations in Seattle.

DeAnna leads with integrity, purpose, and a genuine love for this university, and her impact will be felt for generations.UND President Andrew Armacost

About the UND Alumni Association & Foundation
The UND Alumni Association & Foundation has a membership of more than 140,000 living alumni and conducts a comprehensive program of alumni relations and fundraising to secure a strong future for the University of North Dakota and its students.

About CASE
The Council for Advancement and Support of Education is a global, not-for-profit membership association with a vision to advance education to transform lives and society. CASE is the home for advancement professionals – inspiring, challenging, and equipping them to act effectively and with integrity to champion the success of their institutions. CASE defines the competencies and standards for the profession of advancement, leading and championing their dissemination and application with more than 97,000 advancement professionals at 3,100 member institutions in 80 countries.