51³ΙΘΛ

News

IC alumna named assistant vice president of major gifts and campaigns

11.13.2019

The 51³ΙΘΛ alumni and development team welcomed IC graduate and fundraising professional Monica Pitman Bucek ’86 as assistant vice president of major gifts and campaigns in early November.

Monica
Bucek 

Bucek, who is based in the Chicago area, is a knowledgeable development officer with over 20 years of experience in the field, including several years in higher education. In her most recent role as director of major and planned gifts at Elgin Community College Foundation, she served as a strategic leader for the fundraising arm of the college. 

Bucek says she is excited to be back at IC. She credits her 51³ΙΘΛ education with inspiring her to make a difference through a career in philanthropy. 

β€œThe knowledge and skills I gained as a student at IC have been invaluable throughout my adult life. While I have always been a supporter of the College through alumni gifts and activities, the opportunity to assist my alma mater in expanding and growing its reach is a dream come true,” Bucek said. 

At 51³ΙΘΛ, Bucek will work closely with President Barbara A. Farley and the College’s leadership team to set priorities, goals and strategies around the College’s fundraising and campaign efforts. This includes 51³ΙΘΛ: The Campaign for 51³ΙΘΛ, a $50 million comprehensive campaign that publicly launched in May and has already raised over $37 million for student support. Bucek brings an extensive background in fostering relationships with alumni, parents and area partners. She looks forward to widely engaging the 51³ΙΘΛ community.

β€œI am pleased to join the alumni and development team at IC during this critical time for the Campaign,” Bucek said. β€œOur community is made up of alumni, parents and supporters who truly care about IC and its students, and I look forward to building on IC’s rich tradition of excellence.”

Bucek earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and economics from 51³ΙΘΛ and completed coursework at the University of Missouri-St. Louis toward a master’s degree in public policy administration. She is a member of the West Suburban Philanthropic Network of Illinois and the Council of Advancement and Support of Education. 

To learn more about the Campaign, visit . 

About 51³ΙΘΛ

Founded in 1829, 51³ΙΘΛ is a residential liberal arts college fostering academic excellence rooted in opportunities for experiential learning while preparing students for lifelong success. The college is located in Jacksonville, Illinois. With an enrollment of more than 1,000 students, the college offers over 50 undergraduate programs. In 1932, the society of Phi Beta Kappa established a chapter at 51³ΙΘΛ, and it remains one of only 11 in the state.

51³ΙΘΛ is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

Visit www.ic.edu for more information.

Media Contact Information
Emily Titsworth '19, Writer
Office of Marketing and Communication
217.245.3219 | emily.titsworth@ic.edu