CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Former University of Illinois swimmer and I FUND development officer Kathleen Knight has returned to the I FUND Chicago office as the Assistant Athletics Director for Development. She will oversee all strategy and fundraising for the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics out of Chicago.
Knight joined the University of Illinois Office of Athletics Development in Chicago in 2017, and worked for two years as an assistant director before leaving in May to become a private client associate for Bernstein Private Wealth Management in Chicago.
"It's never easy to leave a place that you love, and I hoped I would be fortunate enough to have the opportunity to come back some day," Knight said. "So much progress has made here these last few years, but our goal is for Chicago to glow Illini Orange. I have every confidence that our leadership is committed to getting us there and that we have a team in place that will work tirelessly to make the Illini Family proud."
In her new role, Knight will plan, implement and execute capital campaign and principal gift initiatives, as well as annual fund, major gift and premium seating sales programs specific to the Chicagoland area.
"We are very excited to have Kathleen leading our fundraising efforts in Chicago," Senior Associate Athletics Director Howard Milton said. "As we look to grow our numbers of donors and improve our donor engagement, Kathleen's energy and overall passion for our vision will have a significant impact."
Prior to joining the I FUND, Knight worked as an account executive at CBD Marketing in downtown Chicago, leading integrated marketing teams and business development initiatives. After graduation, she began her career in the DIA as the Big Ten Diversity Intern, as well as a volunteer intern while completing her undergraduate degree.
Knight concluded her undergraduate studies at Illinois in 2013 with a major in advertising and a minor in business. Knight completed her Master's of Business Administration in 2016 from the University of Illinois - Chicago, with concentrations in finance and marketing.
She was a four-year letterwinner on the Fighting Illini swimming and diving team from 2009 - 2013. In her final season, Knight was awarded the Klingel Athletic Award, given to the top-performing senior athlete. She was also an Academic All-Big Ten Honoree from 2011 - 2013.
CHICAGO OFFICE STAFF: Knight joins two additional recent hires for the Chicagoland office in former Illinois basketball All-American Deon Thomas, who was hired as an Associate Director of Development, and Assistant Director of Development Alex Burden. Thomas comes to the I FUND from UIC where he assisted with governmental relations. He will help Illinois expand its Chicago network, while also working with men's and women's basketball alumni. Burden comes to Illinois from George Washington University where he worked with the annual fund and family philanthropy. In Chicago, Burden will cultivate the Chicago area and serve as point of contact for Loyalty Circle Chicago I FUND donors.
The Chicagoland staff is stationed in the Illini Center located at 200 S. Wacker Ave., 19th floor (60606). They can be contacted at (312)-575-7850.
