A Conversation with Director of Development, Shannon Ghere

Recently DEM Updates virtually sat down with Shannon Ghere, DEM’s Director of Development, to talk about her work.   Just what does the DEM Director of Development do?” The Director of Development serves as a liaison between the UW Foundation and the Division of Enrollment Management.  My job is very much one of relationship building.  I identify and connect with donors who may be willing to make larger donations.  I am particularly interested in raising funds that will support DEM’s access goals.   How does DEM support you? The Office of Student Financial Aid and DEM have been great partners.  They have been instrumental in setting up processes for the stewardship of funds, building relationships between donors and scholarship recipients, and providing students stories to tell donors.  I really enjoy this job because of the people I get to work with.  DEM is fabulous!   How has the pandemic impacted your work? Since much my work is relationship building it has been challenging.  I prefer to start conversations with donors either by sitting down for coffee or meeting them more informally at a reception.  You just can’t do much of that right now!  It is much more of a challenge to build rapport over Zoom.   What have been some of your major accomplishments so far? The Morgridge Match brought in twenty million dollars for need-based aid.  Further funds came from the Paterson Match.  I am starting some new projects with Admissions and Financial Aid and am enjoying getting work with other parts for the DEM team.