Gina Bianchi ’93, Vice President for Alumni & Development.
Gina Bianchi was appointed vice president for alumni and development at Millikin University on July 1, 2018. In this position, Bianchi guides Millikin's fundraising and alumni relations efforts, and, as a member of the president's cabinet, is a leader and advocate for the entire Millikin community.
Prior to her appointment as vice president, Gina Bianchi served as associate vice president and chief operating officer for alumni and development from February 2017 to June 2018. During this time she earned the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation. She also served as interim vice president from August 2016 to February 2017.
Bianchi previously served as senior director of alumni and donor engagement at Millikin University starting in August 2013. During her tenure, she was responsible for the overall management of the University’s alumni and donor engagement programs and events, which were designed to engage Millikin alumni and friends with the overall life of the University. Bianchi’s leadership in strategizing and collaborating with others across campus to reach out to alumni and friends was instrumental in the success of the recent Transform MU Capital Campaign.
“Gina brings proven leadership and management skills, fundraising experience in several key areas, and great love of Millikin to this vital role,” said Millikin President Dr. Patrick White. “Gina will lead Millikin's fundraising and, alumni and donor engagement efforts and play a key role in cultivating the valuable relationships that will support the University's strategic plan initiatives.”
Bianchi has an extensive background in higher education having spent a successful 17-year career at Illinois State University (ISU) in various positions. She spent six years working in the Illinois State University Athletics Department as assistant director of the athletics study center while earning her master's degree in athletic administration.
Bianchi later spent two years working as the athletic development coordinator for Illinois State before being named director of ISU’s Annual Fund. She was subsequently named director of development for the division of student affairs, and for six years served as director of alumni relations at Illinois State.
“I appreciate the opportunity President White has given me to lead our talented Alumni and Development team,” said Bianchi. “This is a special time here at Millikin University and I am proud to play a part in it as we work to deliver on the promise of a Performance Learning education for new generations of students. I look forward to serving my alma mater.”
Bianchi earned her undergraduate degree at Millikin in communication and public relations in 1993. As a student she was active in several campus organizations, played women's softball and also served as a resident assistant. Upon graduation she remained close to her alma mater serving as a class fundraising agent, class reunion chair and volunteer admission counselor.