b'UDs next president, Dan Curran, approached Father Gene in 2004 with the invitation to work as afundraiser in University Advancement. I traveled toalumni chapters all over the country, and every placeI went, people wanted to know what was happeningon campus. I enjoyed sharing stories about campuslife and forming long-lasting relationships. For me,fundraising is also friend-raising. After turning 70, Father Gene assumed the role ofpastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish, where he continuedhoning his friend-making skills. The parishionerswere amazing. It was the best job I ever had. New endeavors: virtual ministry and outreachLast February, Father Gene, now 80, began dedicatinghis energy to the Marianist Mission. Linda Hayes,who has served as director of the Mission since 2010,describes the Mission as the fundraising arm for theMarianists and also an outreach ministry. While thestaff consistently ministers to donors through phonecalls, prayers and letters, the need for one-on-oneconnections has dramatically increased their work asthe COVID-19 pandemic prevented donors frompracticing their faith in traditional ways. In his role at the Mission, Father Gene offers spiri-tual support to this 30-person staff. He has a lot ofenergy and is an innovator, which is what we needright now as we attempt some new virtual endeavors,says Linda. One of his first tasks was to write thank-you notes todonors. Each day, hecontinues to build relationshipsand learn from those around him, just as he has donewith every new ministry. I am truly grateful, he says.I have been places and done things I never thoughtI would do, and people have been so generous alongthe way.From Cleveland to Cincinnati to Dayton, teachingand preaching, fundraising and friend-raising, FatherGene has made connections and built community.With Mary as his guide, he smiles and declares, Ive never had a job I didnt like.\x00LeeAnn Meyer is program coordinator for the Office for Marianist Mission employees: Mary Lawson, Brother Jim Brown, SM, Father Gene Contadino, SM,Mission & Rector at University of Dayton. Suzy White and Darlene DyeBecome part of Marys team: If you would like to donate funds to support the Marianists and their ministries, please go to marianist.com/donate or call 800.348.4732.marianist.com/donate 11'