A little more than a year ago, Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School in St. Joseph launched a new name, marking a significant shift in who they are and what they want to be in the future.
Father John Fleckenstein knew the renewed focus on curriculum, accreditation, and infrastructure couldn’t be built on faith alone. It would also require a different approach on resources – specifically creating an overall development program, complete with fundraising, marketing, and grant writing. Today, Our Lady announced they’ve found the person to fill that role.
Ohio native and Catholic school graduate Mark Libs will be Our Lady’s first ever Director of Development. According to their news release, Libs attended Troy University in Alabama where he earned his Bachelor of Science in sports fitness management and a minor in business.
Libs began his career as assistant development director for Kent State University’s Golden Flashes Club before leading athletics development initiatives at Bowling Green State University, Appalachian State University, and Ashland University.
“I was charged with implementing direct mail, crowdfunding and stewardship programs, assisting with telethons,” Libs said. “Developing sponsorship programs for events to strengthen donor relations and increase revenue.”
Under an agreement between Our Lady and the Lake Michigan Catholic School Fund, Libs’ role will funded by the LMCSF for the first three years.
“We are very pleased to have Mr. Libs joining us. His experience will be an invaluable asset to Our Lady of the Lake. But even more, he is an excellence fit for our school and culture,” Father Fleckenstein said. “He will be an important conduit between each of these areas and the community we serve.”
