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Eschen to Retire as Âé¶¹¹û¶³’s Advancement Leader

Tom Eschen, vice president for Institutional Advancement for Âé¶¹¹û¶³, will retire effective May 31. He leaves a lasting legacy that has helped change the landscape of Âé¶¹¹û¶³â€”from new buildings, to innovative academic and outreach programs, increased scholarship support, stronger corporate and foundation partnerships and greater alumni engagement.

Eschen, who joined Âé¶¹¹û¶³ in 2008, oversees alumni engagement, advancement services and development, including fundraising for the Annual Fund, major gifts and planned giving.

Along with a talented team of Institutional Advancement staff, Eschen has been a key catalyst for change and growth at Âé¶¹¹û¶³ over the past decade. Under his leadership, annual fundraising has increased by more than 200 percent, including an increase in the Annual Fund by more than 170 percent. Corporate giving and alumni participation have doubled and the University’s highest annual giving club, the Duchesne Society, has grown nearly 250 percent.

Establishing an important legacy, Eschen first introduced the late Earl Walker to Âé¶¹¹û¶³. Walker’s interest and support led to the naming of Myrtle E. and Earl E. Walker Hall and the Walker College of Health Professions, as well as creation of the Walker Medal and numerous scholarships. As part of the Walker gift agreement, the Walker Scottish Rite Clinic for young children with speech and language disorders was incorporated into Âé¶¹¹û¶³ as a fully integrated program.

In the past 10 years, Eschen helped Âé¶¹¹û¶³ develop important partnerships with Mercy, PNC, St. Louis Public Radio and other major corporations and organizations. His outreach efforts include the creation of Âé¶¹¹û¶³â€™s unique music therapy program, , and the University’s Women and Leadership program. He also helped expand Âé¶¹¹û¶³â€™s presence in the T-REX and Cortex tech communities and Âé¶¹¹û¶³â€™s partnership with Parkway School District’s Spark! program.

Eschen’s leadership also fostered the launch of the iconic series of Âé¶¹¹û¶³ pins, the annual Spirit of Âé¶¹¹û¶³ awards, the Âé¶¹¹û¶³ Talks Books author series, the Sister Mary Byles Peace & Justice Prize, the  and the Newman Catholic Student Center.

As a part-time consultant, Eschen will continue to support Âé¶¹¹û¶³’s fundraising efforts with a focus on Kids Rock Cancer and the Walker Scottish Rite Clinic.