Best Wishes, Karolyn!

The Development and Alumni Office was saddened to say goodbye to one of their own, Karolyn Dreiling, this May.

Karolyn started as a development officer at Saint Mary in August 2011. With her successful track record as a development officer, she quickly moved into the role of vice president for development—where she saw much success during her tenure. She helped take SpireFest from an event raising just $70,000 to a quarter of a million, while she also assisted in growing the endowment from $15.5 million to over $20 million today. Karolyn started a young alumni council, and she led the first full phase of our capital campaign, the Campus for Tomorrow.

Karolyn set the bar high for her successor—she’s one who truly embraced her position at Saint Mary, and she was a constant support and loyal friend to all those she came in contact with, including USM staff, alumni, and friends.

Though we know Karolyn is off on a wonderful new adventure, her leadership and mentorship will definitely be missed. “We are so proud of her and her accomplishments, and we are extremely grateful for all she has done for our department and Saint Mary,” says Sharon Clay, U’16, director of alumni & annual fund.

Karolyn will always be welcomed back with open arms at any Saint Mary event—and we wish her the very best in her new position as executive director for Boys Hope Girls Hope of Kansas City, a role that cuts her commute to just five minutes and allows her more time to spend with her family.