For the past five years, Desi Todd has worked as an Administrative Assistant in the Alumni/Advancement Office of Catholic Central. Her daily responsibilities range from coordinating donor records to supporting fundraising events, yet the part she finds most rewarding is the chance to meet people she might never have crossed paths with otherwise.
Beyond the routine, Todd describes her position as a front-row seat to the school’s evolving story. She witnesses how strategic goals set by the Advancement team materialize into tangible benefits for students, staff, and alumni alike, reinforcing her belief that each small contribution adds up to a larger legacy.
Relationships that surprise and strengthen the community
One of the cornerstones of Todd’s job is the network of connections she cultivates. Whether greeting a longtime donor at a gala or welcoming a first-time volunteer at a campus tour, she finds value in every interaction. “The most rewarding aspect is building relationships with individuals I never expected to meet,” she explains, emphasizing how those bonds often become lifelong friendships.
These personal ties also fuel the collective ambition of the Advancement team. Todd loves hearing the annual objectives—such as increasing scholarship funds or expanding alumni mentorship programs—and then observing the coordinated effort that turns those targets into reality. She highlights the hard work, dedication, and teamwork that transform lofty numbers into concrete outcomes for the school community.
Family ties that illustrate the school’s impact
Todd’s connection to Catholic Central runs deeper than her professional role. Her younger brother attended the school, graduated, and later pursued a college degree. Watching his journey, she credits the school’s environment with shaping his character and career trajectory. “The opportunities he received here helped him become the successful young man he is today,” she says with pride.
The sibling’s success story serves as a personal testament to the broader mission of the institution. Todd believes that when students graduate equipped with knowledge, confidence, and moral grounding, they carry the school’s ethos into the wider world, creating a ripple effect that benefits future generations.
Marking history: the STEM building beam and the DRIVE raffle
A standout memory for Todd involves the beam-signing ceremony for the new STEM Building. While most visitors never see the structural beam, those who sign it are forever linked to Catholic Central’s physical legacy. “Watching construction go from foundation to finished tower was exhilarating, especially knowing I played a small part in that narrative,” she reflects.
Another highlight arrived when students celebrated the $1 million milestone for the DRIVE Tuition Assistance Raffle. The excitement on campus was palpable, and Todd felt a deep sense of reward knowing the funds would directly support learners pursuing their educational dreams. “Seeing the community rally around such a cause underscores why our work matters,” she notes.
Through these moments—whether signing a beam, cheering a fundraising goal, or simply greeting a new alumnus—Desi Todd embodies the spirit of Catholic Central: a blend of personal dedication, collaborative effort, and lasting influence on every student who walks its halls.
