Through Sports to Development

John Dvorak (Richfield, Minnesota USA)

Archived discussion

About the presenter

John is a 2009 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College.

 

[ We invited Bethany graduates in Communication and Media Arts to report what they were up to, and respond to some questions about how they have used what they learned at Bethany and since. Please feel free to greet, ask questions, and comment. ]

When did you graduate from Bethany, what was your major, and in what, if anything, did you specialize while in school?

I graduated from Bethany in 2009 and my major was Communication. I was very involved with the hockey broadcast/TV crew and writing for Bethany’s campus newspaper, The Scroll. I also enjoyed doing some PA announcing on campus, doing primarily soccer, baseball, and basketball games throughout my college years.

What are you doing now with media/technology?

Currently I'm a Development Officer at Concordia University, St. Paul (focusing on major gift fundraising). Prior to CSP (and serving at St. Croix Lutheran Academy), I spent nearly 10 years with the Minnesota Vikings in premium sales (season tickets) and service. My career path has changed these last several years, but I'll always appreciate and treasure what I learned at Bethany and the lifelong friendships I have...while hearing the One Thing Needful every day!

Have you found any opportunities to use your skills and experience for Gospel outreach?

Yes, my foundation from Bethany (combined with my previous career in sports business) has translated well into fundraising and development. I’m blessed to meet so many kind and generous people in my work. Each day I can hear people’s passions, while speaking about my faith and promoting quality Christian education.

 

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Discussion

Charis Carmichael Braun (BLC) 2024-10-25 5:22:54pm
Hi John,
I always admire the skillset - and patience! - of folks who work in Development. That is a tough job (I'm in "the Art World" so there's a high pressure on the Development office in whatever the NFP is...) ;) What advice/principles - for fundraising - could you offer?
John Dvorak (CSP) 2024-10-28 2:24:34pm
Hi Charis,

Thank you, great question! Yes, you do need a lot of patience, persistence, and follow-up. It's all about building and maintaining relationships - connecting an individual to the mission and vision of the university (or non-profit) and this takes time. Every person is different, every donor is different -- so matching a passion to a university need is interesting & rewarding work! It's fun to see where people give their time and treasures, everyone has their own donor journey.
Jeff Lemke (Bethany Lutheran College) 2024-10-29 3:24:17pm
Thanks for sharing your story and your walk with Christ, John. Did it feel strange going back to your high school to work? How was it on your relationships with then being the "money guy"? I'm sure many artists and professional communicators can feel that need to get paid for their work and yet that can make some long-standing relationships a little awkward. How was that journey for you?
John Dvorak (CSP) 2024-10-30 10:08:37am
Hi Jeff! Appreciate the question. Heading back to SCLA truly was a blessing and not as awkward as one would think; it was like coming back "home". The mindset I've tried to develop/grow these last 10+ years has been to be the "same person" whether I'm at work or home, church, etc. Just trying to be authentic and who I am! Yes, sometimes I needed to put my "fundraiser" hat on and make invitations for gifts ... but many times the main goal was (and still is) to simply better connect/engage alumni & friends/parents to the mission and needs of the school. I think if you set up certain expectations heading into a donor visit, there won't be any surprises. There is such joy in giving, and it is okay to talk about it!
Christopher Johnson (Bethany) 2024-11-10 1:45:03pm
John, great to hear of your career opportunities. Our Christain impact and Gospel outreach opportunities can certainly change course. If you have a chance to respond I'd be interested in hearing if and how your opportunities to bring your Christian faith into your work has changed from when you worked for Vikings to working for Concordia. You mention being the "same person". At any point in your careers have you found that more difficult? May God continue to bless you.
John Dvorak (CSP) 2024-11-12 9:27:24am
Hi Chris! I enjoyed my work for the Vikings, built a lot of great relationships and met some great people. The main thing I've found is that philanthropy/fundraising is less transactional than "selling." While the Vikings are a first-class organization, the mission/purpose and "faith-based" work at SCLA and currently at CSP is very meaningful to me. Blessings!
Zachary Stevens (BLC) 2024-11-11 3:33:03pm
Hi John it was very interesting to hear about your career path! From sports business to a Development Officer it is truly inspiring. Right now as a college student, I am currently unsure about my future career and I see potential career changes ahead of me. My question to you would be how were you able to change careers with confidence after working 10 years in sports business?
John Dvorak (CSP) 2024-11-12 9:33:16am
Excellent question, Zachary! It definitely took a few years to decide what a good fit/next career step would be. I first looked at what my passions are - Christian education is one of them. Next, I realized that in Advancement (or as a Development Officer) there are a lot of transferable business skills - I enjoy building relationships. Then I decided to take a few fundraising courses (and read books) to see if I liked it. I quickly found out it that I really enjoyed fundraising, and starting exploring some career opportunities out there before God led me to SCLA (and now CSP). Thanks for the great question.
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