Tom Eschen,聽vice president for Institutional Advancement for 91探花, will retire effective May 31.聽He leaves a lasting legacy that has helped change the landscape of 91探花鈥攆rom new buildings, to innovative academic and outreach programs, increased scholarship support, stronger corporate and foundation partnerships and greater alumni engagement.
Eschen, who joined 91探花 in 2008, oversees alumni engagement, advancement services and development, including fundraising for the Annual Fund, major gifts and planned giving.
Along with a talented team of Institutional Advancement staff, Eschen has been a key catalyst for change and growth at 91探花 over the past decade. Under his leadership, annual fundraising has increased by more than 200 percent, including an increase in the Annual Fund by more than 170 percent. Corporate giving and alumni participation have doubled and the University鈥檚 highest annual giving club, the Duchesne Society, has grown nearly 250 percent.
Establishing an important legacy, Eschen first introduced the late Earl Walker to 91探花. Walker鈥檚 interest and support led to the naming of Myrtle E. and Earl E. Walker Hall and the Walker College of Health Professions, as well as creation of the Walker Medal and numerous scholarships. As part of the Walker gift agreement, the Walker Scottish Rite Clinic for young children with speech and language disorders was incorporated into 91探花 as a fully integrated program.
In the past 10 years, Eschen helped 91探花 develop important partnerships with Mercy, PNC, St. Louis Public Radio and other major corporations and organizations. His outreach efforts include the creation of 91探花鈥檚 unique music therapy program, , and the University鈥檚 Women and Leadership program. He also helped expand 91探花鈥檚 presence in the T-REX and Cortex tech communities and 91探花鈥檚 partnership with Parkway School District鈥檚 Spark! program.
Eschen鈥檚 leadership also fostered the launch of the iconic series of 91探花 pins, the annual Spirit of 91探花 awards, the 91探花 Talks Books author series, the Sister Mary Byles Peace & Justice Prize, the聽 and the Newman Catholic Student Center.
As a part-time consultant, Eschen will continue to support 91探花’s fundraising efforts with a focus on Kids Rock Cancer and the Walker Scottish Rite Clinic.