April 28, 2008

SIU Foundation adds three to fundraising team

by Stacey Vinson

CARBONDALE, Ill. — The Southern Illinois University Foundation has added three professionals to its fundraising team. David M. Ardrey, College of Education and Human Services; Tracee A. Tyner Norris, College of Liberal Arts; and Judith A. Ray, School of Law, began their new duties earlier this month.

Ardrey served as president and partner for Alongi's Italian restaurant in Carbondale from 2004 to 2008. The Murphysboro resident was the assistant director of Alumni Services and Corporate Relations for the SIU Alumni Association from 1999 to 2004. A former diving coach at SIU Carbondale, he served a stint as the president and CEO of the U.S. Professional Diving Coaches Association.

The Drury University graduate holds a bachelor's of science degree in criminal justice administration. In addition, Ardrey earned a bachelor's degree in physical education, specializing in special education, and worked toward a master's degree while at Drury. As for returning to SIU, he says, "I am excited about the opportunity to return to Southern Illinois University and Institutional Advancement. The opportunity to serve the alumni of the College of Education and Human Services is a great privilege and I look forward to making a difference on behalf of the students, staff and faculty."

Norris, a resident of Jackson, Mo., has been SIUC's annual fund director for Student Affairs since 2006. Prior to working at SIUC, she was the special events and marketing director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida. She has spent the last 12 years working in development for nonprofit organizations, in addition to serving in development and alumni relations roles at Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D. Norris also worked in the athletic marketing department for Western Kentucky University.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate says, "I have enjoyed working with Vice Chancellor Larry Dietz, various directors and staff in the Division of Student Affairs. They are a very dedicated group. My experience in this division has really offered me an opportunity to become educated about the various facets of the University and the relationships that students have with the institution. I look forward to utilizing this knowledge in my new position with the College of Liberal Arts."

Ray, an Anna resident, has practiced law since 2005. She also served as a political consultant at LSG Strategies in Washington, D.C.; coordinator of The Day One Center, Inc., in St. Paul, Minn.; and executive director of the Health Care Coalition on Violence in Minneapolis, Minn. Ray was also the deputy campaign manager for Mondale for Governor from 1996 to 1998 and a scheduler for the Richard Gephardt Presidential Campaign from 1987 to 1988.

She holds both a bachelor of science and a law degree from Southern. Ray says, "Fundraising is even more critical today as state and federal funding is not able to keep pace with the rapid increase in costs. I look forward to working with the donors and alumni of the School of Law in developing creative solutions to solve our funding challenges."

Jeff Lorber, associate vice chancellor for institutional advancement and executive director of development for the SIU Foundation, says, "We are fortunate to have acquired a wealth of experience and ability that will complement our development staff already in place. We have hired three outstanding professionals who have demonstrated high levels of success in a variety of settings."

Ardrey Dave Tracee Norris Ray Judi