Who We Are
Vision Statement
The Development Office, by inspiring others, will empower the University to provide a comprehensive Christ centered education to students who value faith, reason and justice. Our future rests on the foundation that the next generation of bright students will embody the mission of "the whole gospel for the whole world" to impact every age, occupation and culture.
Contact Us
Have a question? Want to drop us a line? Have a suggestion or comment? This is where you can reach us. Feel free to call, write, e-mail or just stop in any time. We're always glad to hear from you.
Office of Development & Alumni Relations
Eastern University - Ott Hall
1300 Eagle Road
St. Davids, PA 19087
Phone: 610.341.5932
Fax: 610.341.1727
Development Staff
Derek Ritchie '89, MBA '07 - Vice President of Development
Derek came to Eastern as a student in the fall of 1985 and graduated with a business degree in 1989. His time at Eastern was filled with growing his faith in our Lord and playing soccer and tennis with studying woven throughout. 1996 was a year of change for Derek. Not only did he return to Eastern as the Director of Alumni Relations, he also talked Kristie Jamison (1989 graduate of the College of William and Mary) into being his bride. The Ritchie's currently live in Broomall, PA with their three children: David, Rebecca, and Kristianna Joy.
Phone: 610.341.1955
Email: dritchie@eastern.edu
James G. Rogers - Vice President of Planned Giving
James G. Rogers is a licensed CPA in Pennsylvania with corporate finance experience before beginning his career at Eastern in 1988. He has more than 25 years of Development experience focused particularly on tax-wise ways for donors to achieve their philanthropic goals. Jim is a graduate of Washington & Lee University and has an MBA from American University.
Phone: 610.341.5908
Email: jrogers@eastern.edu
Graham Thorpe '01 - Director of Development
Graham is a 2001 graduate of Eastern University. In 2008, after spending over 5 years in outside sales for USG, he decided it was time to become a part of the Eastern family once again. Graham is married and is the proud father of four children, Georgianna, Shepherd, Lleyton Noble, and Libbie.
Phone: 610.341.5912
Email: gthorpe@eastern.edu
Natissa K. Kultan, MS '08 - Director of the Eastern Fund
Natissa joined the staff of Eastern University in 2006. While at Eastern, she has held positions in the Campolo College of Graduate and Professional Studies (CCGPS) along with Conferences & Special Events, before joining the Development team in July 2008. Natissa is a 2001 graduate of Taylor University (Upland, IN) and received her MS in Nonprofit Management from Eastern in December 2008. Originally from Western Pennsylvania, she is a diehard fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates.
Phone: 610.341.5936
Email: nkultan@eastern.edu
Serena Livingston - Development Services Information Manager
Serena joined the staff of Eastern in 2011 as Development Services Information Manager. She previously worked in Development at Adventures in Missions in Gainesville, GA. Serena is a 1983 graduate of Gordon College. Serena married Deryck Livingston in 1987 and they have two daughters. Her recreational activities include cycling, reading, watercolor painting, sailing, photography, and travel. She is delighted to be working at a Christian college helping to fulfill the mission of integrating faith, reason, and justice.
Phone: 610.341.1456
Email: slivings@eastern.edu
Pat Fitzpatrick - Gifts Processor & Matching Gift Coordinator
Phone: 610.341.5909
Email: pfitzpat@eastern.edu
Kathy Urban - Executive Assistant to the Vice President
Phone: 610.341.5932
Email: kurban@eastern.edu
Alumni Relations Staff
Mary E. (Chaplin) Gardner '83 - Director of Alumni Relations
Mary first came to Eastern as a student in the fall of 1979 and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education in 1983. Her memories of being a student and RA are some of her most cherished memories. She went on to teach first grade for 10 years and then started her own business in direct sales for the next 14 years as she was raising her twin daughters and son. In 2006, she was thrilled to come back to Eastern as the Director of Alumni Relations and absolutely loves it.
Phone: 800.600.8057 or 610.341.5961
Email: mgardner@eastern.edu
Laura A. Manger '98 - Assistant Director of Alumni Relations
Laura graduated from Eastern in 1998 with a degree in Youth Ministry. She was a Student Chaplain, a member of the Chapel Worship Team and on the intramural volleyball team while she was a student. Laura is also a Legacy Student. Her dad, Bill Manger, graduated from Eastern in 1966. She worked for 13 years as a Youth Pastor before returning "home" to Eastern in July 2007. Laura likes to travel, take pictures, scrapbook, work on genealogy, and spend time with her nieces and nephews. She's also a Facebook junkie. She's a member of the Upper Merion Baptist Church, where she sings in the choir.
Phone: 610.341.1712
Email: lmanger@eastern.edu
Brittany (Smith) Welding '08 - Coordinator of Online Services & Prospect Research
Brittany graduated from Eastern in 2008 with a BA in Psychology. As a student, she was a member of ETHELS Swing Club and Psi Chi (the National Psychology Honors Society), and she went on two mission trips to Haiti in 2007 and 2008. She has been part of the Alumni team since the summer of 2007 when she began as a student worker. Brittany married Daniel Welding '08 in November 2008. Their son, Linus Emery, was born in March 2012. In her spare time, she enjoys taking pictures, blogging, cooking, baking, crafting, and traveling.
Phone: 610.225.5546
Email: bwelding@eastern.edu
Reverend Ed Warner '58 - Administrative Assistant for Alumni Relations
Ed is a retired information officer with an international testing organization. He works part-time in the Alumni Office. He also serves as a church organist at First Baptist Church, Manayunk, Philadelphia, PA.
Phone: 610.341.1479
Email: ewarner@eastern.edu
