Jennifer O’Brien ’97, ’01 MBA
I have worked in the University of St. Thomas Development Office since September 25, 2000. Working here has been a dream: I absolutely loved my experience as an undergraduate student and treasure the opportunity to "give back" to the school that has given me so much.
I graduated from St. Thomas in 1997 with a degree in business and a concentration in marketing, and I earned an MBA in nonprofit management at the University of Dallas in 2000. During my time as a student, my favorite memories include: VISION (Volunteers in Service Internationally or Nationally) and VIA (Volunteers in Action) trips during spring breaks and J-terms, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and the Tutor/Mentor Program, participating in the very first London Business Semester, and the amazing opportunities afforded to me in the Aquinas Scholars Honors Program.
My favorite aspect of my job is helping alumni to reconnect with their alma mater and discover all of the amazing things that St. Thomas has to offer not only to students, but also to alumni. There is so much to be proud of – and so many ways for our alumni to be involved! I am also happy to facilitate any type of gift plan that alumni would like to pursue, whether an annual gift, a reunion gift, a campaign gift or a planned gift.
I live in Mendota Heights with my husband, Joel '97, our daughters, Lauren '26 and Lily, and our two dogs. We enjoy every season in MN, from downhill skiing to waterskiing, sledding to swimming, biking and hiking and everything in-between.