This month, Saint Ignatius sends best wishes to Jeff McCormick ’83, Director of the Advancement Operations and Planned Giving. After 13 years on campus, McCormick will be joining Case Western Reserve University as their Executive Director of the Annual Fund.
“While I am happy for Jeff professionally, personally I will miss his great work, passion for Saint Ignatius and friendship,” says John Morabeto, Vice President for Institutional Advancement. “He has been a tremendous asset to our office serving in various roles, always with an efficient and determined attitude.”
McCormick started working at his Alma Mater in 2008. Even before he had a chance to make a big imprint on the fundraising side of the school, he found a way to permanently change the way Wildcat fans experience Saint Ignatius Athletics. McCormick assisted Brendan Gulick ’09 and Declan Murray ’09 in creating the Saint Ignatius Broadcast Network –or SIBN as it is more commonly known—a one-of-a-kind extracurricular that allowed students to call sporting events. It quickly caught fire as audio expanded to video, and coverage grew into an entire team of student sports information enthusiasts. (Watch the video below to hear from SIBN alumni.)
“It was such an unbelievably good foundation for me that I’ve only grown to appreciate more and more,” says Gulick, who today runs the Ohio State channel through Sports Illustrated. “I tell people all the time…there is no way that [the SIBN] would have grown into what it is today without Jeff McCormick.”
As a member of the Advancement team, McCormick helped lead a group that was always pushing to better meet the needs of the school community, especially students, and finding innovative ways to attract support from donors. The expansion of planned gifts, matching gifts and gifts of stock all have helped fuel growth and development for the entire institution.
Morabeto credits McCormick with helping the school complete significant initiatives that have paved the way for new facilities, programs, and opportunities.
“During Jeff’s time here, we have been able to significantly increase support from our community as well as complete an $80 million campaign,” he says. “Through his expertise and attention to details, we have become a very efficient organization.”
And yet his accomplishments go beyond the numbers; perhaps his most significant work has been mentoring others. Director of Donor Relations Mary Beth Flynn has seen McCormick’s care for the community firsthand.
“I've worked with Jeff for nine years now,” Flynn says. “Jeff brings a great deal of positivity to the Advancement Department; he always makes you feel like your contributions are acknowledged, appreciated, and important. Obviously, when you feel valued, you perform well and Jeff brings out the best in people.”
Flynn appreciates the mentorship and guidance that McCormick has provided since she was hired in 2012.
“I've most enjoyed him as a friend, a sounding board for ideas, and I was truly blessed to have him as a boss. The added bonus that I didn't count on was learning so much more about sports (especially when our offices were connected)! We will really miss him.”
As he takes on an exciting new position at Case, both Flynn and Morabeto say that they don’t expect McCormick to be a stranger on campus. As Morabeto says, “He loves Saint Ignatius High School as much as anyone.”
Best of luck in this new endeavor, Jeff, and thank you for all you’ve done for Saint Ignatius High School!