Press Releases
Saint Xavier University Names James H. Vondracek as Vice President for University Advancement
Vondracek seeks to ‘create a fundraising vision’ for SXU
CHICAGO (Oct. 6, 2003) – Saint Xavier University today announced its appointment of James H. Vondracek as the Vice President for University Advancement. For the past six years, Vondracek has served as vice president for advancement at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, a graduate theological school at which Vondracek led an 80 percent increase in fundraising revenues over the past six years.
“I’m looking forward to helping strengthen Saint Xavier University in its mission of delivering the finest possible education while creating unsurpassable opportunities for faculty, students and staff,” Vondracek said. “Following the lead of Saint Xavier’s enrollment and structural growth, I hope to build a fundraising program appropriate to that growth.”
Vondracek’s appointment comes as one of the first moves of new SXU President Judith A. Dwyer, who spoke highly of Vondracek’s qualifications and experience.
“Mr. Vondracek brings excellent credentials to this position,” Dwyer said. “I look forward to working with him at Saint Xavier University.”
Vondracek, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from the University of Iowa, has also worked in fundraising positions for the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Northwestern University and the University of Chicago. As director of development for the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Vondracek led the campaign that funded construction of the theater’s current location on Chicago’s Navy Pier. At Northwestern, he served as associate director of the Campaign for Engineering and Physical Sciences, a $120 million capital campaign.
At Saint Xavier University, Vondracek hopes to “create a fundraising vision.”
His biggest priority will be to build the university’s endowment, he said.
“Building the endowment will allow Saint Xavier to attract top-flight candidates to hold seats as endowed faculty chairs,” Vondracek said. “It also will allow the university to offer endowed scholarships, thus further enhancing the fine reputation of Saint Xavier students.”
The announcement of Vondracek’s hire comes at an exciting time for Saint Xavier University, which has just found its new leader in Dwyer and recently completed construction on its new campus in Orland Park.
“I’m looking forward to working with President Judith A. Dwyer and the university’s board of trustees,” he said. “Saint Xavier is fortunate to have such a dedicated president and board. I truly have been impressed with their passion and their commitment to success.”
A native of southeast Iowa, Vondracek lives in Oak Lawn with his wife, Nancy Goede, and their children, Hugh and Robert.