Alverno College Names New Vice President for College Advancement

Andrea Petrie has been named vice president for Advancement at Alverno College, President Andrea Lee, IHM, announced Tuesday, the culmination of a national search that engaged faculty, staff, alumnae and members of the College’s Board of Trustees. Starting June 13, 2018, Petrie will lead Alverno’s development and alumnae engagement efforts, as well as oversee a growing team that will connect constituents with Alverno’s strategic plan.

“I believe in the transformative power of education and especially in the power of educating women,” Petrie said. “Alverno has been empowering women to be leaders for Milwaukee and beyond for 130 years, extraordinary work I’m eager to continue as we share our bold vision through the implementation of the strategic plan.”

Petrie, who has more than 15 years of development and engagement experience, has been director of development for the Office of Research and Innovation at Marquette University since 2015. In that role, she served as the lead fundraiser for the University’s campaign efforts in these areas, including multiple capital projects. Petrie managed the portfolio for the vice president for Research and Innovation and worked collaboratively with regional fundraisers, corporate and foundation partners, principal gift donors, and planned giving officers.

“Alverno is thrilled to have a leader of Andrea Petrie’s caliber join our dedicated and dynamic Advancement team,” Lee said. “Andrea has exceptional experience and energy, and it is clear to all who meet her that her vision for Alverno and its many friends and benefactors will move us forward in wonderful ways. I have to add that it’s great to have another Andrea on board!”

Petrie served as director of development for Marquette’s College of Nursing from 2012-17, raising more than $7 million for the college in fiscal year 2017 as part of a comprehensive plan that included collaboration with the dean, faculty and staff. She was director of affinity-based giving for Marquette from 2009-12, during which time she increased alumni donor giving by reunion year by 24 percent, developed annual fund goals, and implemented the strategy for its reunion giving program and the Parents Association.

Petrie, a member of Professional Dimensions, also has worked for the Ladies Professional Golf Association and Leukemia Research Foundation.

Petrie received her undergraduate degree in business with a marketing emphasis from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota and her master of business administration from the Graduate School of Management at Marquette University. She lives in Muskego, Wis., with her husband and three children.

About Alverno College

Alverno College promotes the academic, personal and professional development of its students in a collaborative and inclusive environment. Undergraduate programs for women are offered in more than 60 areas of study, and graduate programs in education, nursing, community psychology and business are open to women and men.

A leader in higher education innovation, Alverno has earned international accolades for its highly effective ability-based, assessment-as-learning approach to education, which emphasizes hands-on experience and develops in-demand skills. The College has consulted with three U.S. presidential administrations on accountability and outcomes in higher education and for the past eight years has been ranked one of the top five schools in the Midwest doing “the best job of educating undergrads” by U.S. News & World Report.

Based in Milwaukee, Wis., Alverno College is a four-year independent, Catholic, liberal arts college.