Bethany Burgun has joined Indiana University South Bend as director of development.
In her new role, Burgan will help advance strategic priorities, experiences for students and faculty and staff resources.
“I’m excited to help IU South Bend make a high-quality education affordable and accessible to all students,” Burgun said in a press release.
Burgun brings a background in education to the role. She has served as a classroom teacher and higher education administrator. Burgun has worked in alumni relations and student affairs at the collegiate level. She has been involved in the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education. She also served as the Indiana Deputy State Whip for NAFSA: the Association for International Educators.
Burgun previously served as director of mission advancement at Saint Joseph High School in South Bend. Her work included closing the school’s Forward in Faith Campaign, eliminating the school’s debt. She helped establish new endowments, strengthened the annual fund and grew the advancement team.
Rob DeCleene, IU South Bend vice chancellor for university relations and advancement, said Burgun has strong relationships with the community.
“Many of those people have a connection to IU South Bend so Bethany will be able to expand on those relationships and continue working with them in a new way,” DeCleene said.
Burgun will begin meeting with internal colleagues and learning about the IU 2030 strategic plan. She will then turn her focus to establishing relationships with new and existing supporters of the campus.
“There is something unique about IU South Bend and the relationship it has with the surrounding community, supporting the economic development of north central Indiana,” Burgun said. “The number of students who stay in this area and contribute to the economic impact of this community is phenomenal. The stronger IU South Bend becomes, the stronger our community becomes.”
