Laker Nation News

Lake Land College welcomed the new Executive Director for College Advancement Christi Donsbach, in early October. She replaces Jackie Joines who will retire from the position this fall.

Donsbach has more than 14 years of experience in fostering a culture of philanthropy in a college setting. In her most recent position, as the director of development for Eastern Illinois University (EIU), she was responsible for the leadership and management of alumni and friends to an assigned fundraising portfolio, as well as planned giving. During her time at EIU, she presided over four boards of directors, each totaling 25 members, as well as taught a university foundation introductory course and presented at several regional educational seminars.

Prior to joining EIU, Donsbach served as the director of donor & alumni relations at Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship in Effingham, director of development & alumni relations at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and director of development at Pony Bird Inc. in Mapaville, Missouri.

Donsbach recently served on the membership committee for the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and served as co-chair for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District V conference. She is a member of the Effingham Chamber of Commerce, a past member of the Effingham PEO, a member of the St. Aloysius Church and an investor/mentor in Effingham County CEO. She was also recognized as one of Effingham Illinois’ Top Community Leaders Under 40 in 2015.

In her new role, Donsbach will lead the Foundation and alumni areas of the college and serve as the chief executive officer of the Lake Land College Foundation. With a primary focus on philanthropy, alumni engagement and building of community partnerships, Donsbach will work closely with several key stakeholders both within the college and throughout the college district, and serve as a catalyst for donor and volunteer involvement for the Foundation through a variety of operational activities.

Lake Land College President Dr. Josh Bullock said Donsbach’s vast experience in higher education development is closely aligned with the mission of the college and Foundation.

“We are pleased to welcome Ms. Donsbach to One Laker Nation. We know her past experiences building relationships to advance the college, students and the community will serve the Lake Land College Foundation well,” Bullock said. “She brings with her a plethora of ambitious strategic initiatives that will build upon the strong framework of the Foundation and will benefit the future of the college, Foundation and alumni. We are fortunate to find in Ms. Donsbach a candidate who has a wide range of development experience in a college setting as well as business and industry.

“We look forward to the potential of her leadership in the college advancement office within the college, in the community and as well as the Foundation and Alumni board members,” Bullock added.

Donsbach said she looks forward to her new role at Lake Land College.

“I am honored to join the Lake Land College community and connect with faculty and staff. I look forward to partnering with the Foundation and Alumni board members who have experienced so much success. I am excited to build upon their accomplishments and positively impact our students, college and the entire Lake Land College region well into the future,” Donsbach said.

Donsbach has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and a master’s degree in business administration from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She lives in Teutopolis with her husband, Jake, and their four children.

To learn more about the Lake Land College Foundation visit lakelandcollege.edu/foundation/ or contact Donsbach at 217-234-5354 or cdonsbach@lakelandcollege.edu.