New Faces
By Julie Funasaki Yuen
Mid-Pacific recently welcomed Danielle DuCré as major gifts officer. In this role, DuCré is responsible for programs to secure major gifts, including endowment, capital and planned gifts from all Mid-Pacific Institute constituencies. She has vast experience in fundraising and community relations, brand marketing, contract negotiation and relationship management. Most recently, DuCré was the major gifts officer and campaign manager at Chatham Hall, a 9-12 girls’ boarding school in Virginia, and was also a member of the school’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force.
What is the role of the Major Gifts Officer?
In my day-to-day work, I get to connect with the families and friends of our Mid-Pacific community, helping to strengthen their relationship with the school. As a resource, I am only a phone call away to share campus updates and expand upon major announcements, particularly as they pertain to our Aspirations 2035 strategic plan. When members of our community choose to make Mid-Pacific a philanthropic priority, our established relationship allows them to do so with confidence as they know I will help them navigate their intent and generosity.
What are you most excited about this academic year and the next?
I am so excited to be in community with everyone! As I have been introducing myself to families, alumni, and other stakeholders, I am discovering the gems that make Mid-Pacific so special, including the vibrancy of the collective. Now that we are safely reconvening, I will be taking advantage of the opportunities to both witness and join in on these moments first-hand.
Oh, and baseball. I love baseball, the arts, and inspiring academia. I look forward to raising the roof on the special things that happen every day at Mid-Pacific.
How will you apply your previous educational fundraising experience to your position at Mid-Pacific?
Over the course of my career, I have had the opportunity to build programs that align with the vision set forth by school leadership, returning both increased engagement and inspiring larger philanthropic impact. For me, building a culture of philanthropy is fun because relationship building and sharing the story of who we are and where we’re going is what it is all about. It takes time, but when it does, it’s magical. At Mid-Pacific, I will be looking to partner with our stakeholders to recognize and celebrate the generosity of our community and encourage those with whom I connect to celebrate as well. In my experience, this collective action and central awareness is how transformation happens. Echoing Mid-Pacific leadership, we will look to create this culture together.
What do you love most about Mid-Pacific?
Mid-Pacific is a generous and kind community. I am grateful to have felt the spirit of aloha long before I stepped foot on campus. The student-centered approach which encourages curiosity and innovation is inspiring and worthy of the accolades it receives, both near and far. I am honored to be a part of this legacy and look forward to connecting with the alumni, families, and friends of this iconic institution and, together, aspire towards what’s next.