Kyle Nowels

Most people in the University of Michigan Development Community know Kyle Nowels, associate director of development for Student Life, for his collaborative spirit, infectious positivity and excellence in fundraising, which is why he was selected as this year’s recipient of The Chrissi Rawak Award for Distinction in Development.

Honoring an alum of the program who works in the fundraising profession and is doing exceptional work in the field, the award is named after Chrissi Rawak, the current director of intercollegiate athletics and recreation services at the University of Delaware and one of the visionaries behind the creation of D-SIP during her time at U-M. 

Nowels, who had originally planned on attending law school to become a sports agent, was introduced to the profession he now loves through D-SIP.

“From the moment I began as an intern with the School of Kinesiology following my sophomore year, I fell in love with the field of fundraising and the outcomes it produces,” Nowels said.

Now, as a major gifts officer in U-M’s Office of University Development, he is making a tremendous impact on the Development Community, having secured over $2.4 million for Student Life since starting in his current role.

But his fundraising doesn’t end with Michigan. Inspired by the work of another alum, Nowels and two of his friends started the Harbor Springs Opportunity Scholarship in 2016, supporting graduates of his high school who need assistance with affording college.  

Following in the footsteps of the award’s namesake, he leads by serving others, working to improve the lives of U-M students and the greater Michigan community. But for Nowels, it all started with his own life-changing experience as a 2011 D-SIP intern, an experience for which he says he is incredibly grateful. 

“To everyone who first envisioned and designed the program, and to all who have kept it strong, including inspiring donors like the program’s fairy godmother, Molly Dobson, I just want to say thank you for changing my life and my peers for the better.”

6/15/11 Summer party for the VP Development staff.

Mike Parker

Mike Parker is known for his infectious smile, contagious laugh, and more importantly, his passion for giving back to the community. The consummate volunteer, Parker has received The Block M of Honor for Community Impact, recognizing D-SIP alumni who have made philanthropic contributions to their communities through their gifts of time, treasure, and talent.

In 2015, this passion led Parker to a D-SIP internship at UM-Dearborn, his alma mater. Shortly after graduation, he joined the Prospect Development and Analytics team in U-M’s Office of University Development (OUD) where he worked for nearly three years.

“To be recognized was a true honor since the previous recipients [of this award] assisted in making my D-SIP experience possible and, like me, were eager to help the next generation of leaders, influencers, and trailblazers,” Parker said.

As members of the Development Community got to know Parker, many noticed his eagerness to give back to the community went far beyond his role in fundraising at Michigan. Long before assuming his current position as the volunteer director for North Star Reach, a free camp that serves children with chronic and life-threatening health challenges across the Great Lakes Region, Parker would spend his vacations from U-M volunteering at the camp.

For Parker, giving back has always been a way of life.

“I feel my desire to help the community is a natural part of me, so I never thought I would receive an award for it,” he said.

The contagious smile and altruistic attitude for which he is so well known only grows when he spoke about volunteering at North Star Reach.

 

“I love being able to talk about camp and recruit others to an experience that continues to impact my life,” Parker said. “I love connecting with the campers to show them endless possibilities and give them the opportunity to show not only others, but also themselves, that they are more than their health challenges.”

Parker says he’s fortunate to have a career he loves and attributes his success to D-SIP.

“The program challenged me to reflect on my past experiences and envision what my future could manifest into, all while providing me the tools and resources necessary to make it a reality.”

 

The Thirteenth Cohort

Interns helping staff at the annual development summer party event.

Interns participating in activities at the development summer party.

Interns at the Petoskey retreat.

Kelly, presenting her project at the project showcase and closing ceremony.

Nominated class speaker, Lyric.

Just your typical Friday class.

Interns during the orientation scavenger hunt.

The 2019 cohort.

Interns helping staff at the annual development summer party event.

Interns during the orientation scavenger hunt.

The 2019 cohort at the Michigania rock.

Interns during the orientation scavenger hunt.

Interns during the orientation scavenger hunt.

Tianyu, presenting her project at the project showcase and closing ceremony.

Interns during the orientation scavenger hunt.

The 2019 cohort at the Michigania rock.

The 2019 cohort at the development summer party.

Interns at the Petoskey retreat.

Interns introducing themselves to the development community at the development community summer party.

The 2019 cohort at the Petoskey retreat.

Interns at the Petoskey retreat.

Interns during the Petoskey retreat.

The 2019 cohort touring Michigania at the Petoskey retreat.

Nominated class speaker, Lyric.

The 2019 cohort at the Petoskey retreat.

Interns during the orientation scavenger hunt.

Interns preparing for the Petoskey retreat.