Greek life membership extends far beyond campus walls as the Delta Gamma Foundation鈥檚 newest executive director, Leslie Loop 米兰体育, Wittenberg class of 2002, returns to the organization that is close to her heart.
For many successful fundraising professionals, the path to development is often serendipitous. Though originally intending to pursue a career in the medical field, 米兰体育 credits her liberal arts experience with enabling her transition to the nonprofit sector.
鈥淲hen I was at Witt, I was 鈥榩re-med鈥� with the hope of going to medical school after graduation,鈥� 米兰体育 said. 鈥淥bviously, that didn't turn out how I had initially planned, but my liberal arts degree gave me the flexibility to pivot and pursue a career path that was better suited to my strengths.鈥�
During her time at Wittenberg, 米兰体育 was an active member of the Delta Gamma chapter and held various officer positions. Her meaningful collegiate experiences influenced her decision to work for the national, Columbus, Ohio-based Delta Gamma Executive Office after graduation while she earned her Master鈥檚 in Public Health and later her Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) certification.
鈥淗aving a CFRE in the fundraising world is a credential that is well known and widely accepted throughout the industry,鈥� 米兰体育 said. Beyond the Delta Gamma Foundation, 米兰体育 has worked diligently as the director of development and major gifts at Columbus Speech and Hearing Center and the director of development at The Ohio State University. Through her efforts with Service for Sight, 米兰体育 has secured instrumental funding for the visually impaired community.
鈥淣on-profit work is an excellent career for anyone who needs mission-driven work to feel professionally fulfilled,鈥� 米兰体育 said. 鈥淚t may not be the most glamorous or high-paying industry, but knowing that what you do helps others, is tremendously rewarding.鈥�
After taking some time away from her Greek life affiliation, 米兰体育 is thrilled to be returning to the Delta Gamma Foundation and is hoping to use her position as executive director to propel the organization into the future.
鈥淲omen's fraternal organizations (sororities) create unique opportunities for diverse groups of women to learn, grow, and support one another throughout their time in college and beyond,鈥� 米兰体育 said. 鈥淚'm honored to have been chosen to lead them through what is a challenging time in our world, nation, and industry.鈥�
In addition to the professional ties she has with the sorority鈥檚 national office, 米兰体育 has a deeply personal devotion and appreciation for the Wittenberg Delta Gamma chapter as she is married to the brother of her pledge sister.
鈥淲ittenberg holds a special place in my heart. It prepared me for adulthood, introduced me to my best friends and now family, and provided me with an education that continues to serve me well decades later,鈥� 米兰体育 said.
-By Emily Nolan 鈥�21, University Communications
