Annual Giving Leadership Council launches

In January 2025, Wheaton College proudly launched the Annual Giving Leadership Council (AGLC), a cross-generational group of 13 dedicated volunteers committed to strengthening philanthropy and deepening engagement among leadership donors. These individuals are working to expand support for the Impact Funds, which provide essential resources to Wheaton’s students and programs, while also re-engaging donors and celebrating the collective power of leadership giving. Their outreach helps ensure that Wheaton remains a place of opportunity and excellence, empowering others to make a meaningful difference through philanthropy.

The AGLC is not just about fundraising; it aims to create a sustainable, vibrant future for Wheaton. By fostering meaningful connections with leadership donors, the council is laying the groundwork for long-term support that will benefit future generations of students. The Impact Funds they champion are critical to providing scholarships, funding innovative academic programs, supporting faculty development and enhancing campus infrastructure. With the council’s leadership, these resources are helping to shape a dynamic and transformative student experience at Wheaton.

This group of volunteers represents a diverse range of backgrounds, professions and perspectives. Each member brings a unique passion for the college and its mission, united through their shared commitment to make a difference. Through their efforts, the AGLC helps to sustain Wheaton’s legacy while inspiring the next generation of philanthropists to understand the importance of giving back to their community.

Meet the AGLC Members

The success of the Annual Giving Leadership Council relies upon the dedication and passion of its 13 members. Each volunteer plays a vital role in strengthening Wheatons philanthropic efforts, and together, they are driving meaningful change. Here are the members of the AGLC, whose collective expertise and leadership are helping to shape Wheaton’s future:

  1. Laura Atwood Kottler ’84
    • With a career in Real Estate at Compass, Laura is uniquely positioned to connect Wheaton’s mission with opportunities in the professional world.
  2. Sharon Callahan ’84
    • A passionate entrepreneur, Sharon can draw on their experience in executive coaching to create innovative fundraising opportunities for the college.
  3. Kerin Stackpole ’84
    • Currently, a lawyer, director, and practice leader at Paul Frank + Collins P.C., Kerin brings a wealth of experience in governance and strategic planning to the AGLC. 
  4. Nancy Garland ’78
    • As a leader at Advent International Corp. as manager, HR administration & facilities, Nancy will be instrumental in connecting Wheaton to new partnerships and philanthropic networks.
  5. Karen McGinley ’83
    • A dedicated Wheaton alum and senior associate director of annual giving at Princeton University, Karen brings years of experience working in college advancement and a deep commitment to advancing higher education.
  6. Caroline Deveau ’02
    • With a background in fundraising at Amherst College as senior director of the Amherst Fund, Caroline has worked with various organizations and can apply her expertise to Wheaton’s impact strategy.
  7. Allastair Meffen ’02
    • As the vice president of customer experience at Definitive Healthcare, Allastair is passionate about ensuring that students have access to the resources they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
  8. Marci Miller ’77
    • As a longtime supporter of Wheaton, Marci is the development director at the Jewish Federation of the North Shore, where she raises money to support organizations that help enrich both the local and international Jewish communities.
  9. Andrew Jamieson ’13
    • Andrew’s extensive background in fundraising as director of The Harvey Fund at The Harvey School allows him to engage with alumni in a way that engages former students in giving back to their alma mater.
  10. Caitlin Claflin Mongillo ’15
    • Through her work as assistant director of annual giving at Choate Rosemary Hall, Caitlin helps build long-lasting relationships with donors while fostering a deep sense of community.
  11. Jonathan Wolinsky ’10
    • Currently an associate director at Ariadne Labs [Harvard School of Public Health and Brigham & Women’s Hospital], Jonathan brings a wealth of experience in public speaking, program development and project management to the AGLC. 
  12. Nicholas Helldorfer Cicchinelli ‘’14
    • Nicholas is a scholar-activist in international human rights law and advocacy with a specific focus on the treatment of sexual and gender minorities in U.S. policy and international relations. He also plays a key role as associate director of finance and operations at Brown University,  where he serves on the Alumni Relations leadership team.
  13. Joshua Kelly ’17
    • A proud Wheaton alum committed to giving back to the college, Joshua serves as town manager/CEO in Winchester, Conn., where he channels his passion for hometown politics into building relationships.

Focusing on the Future

One of the key focuses of the AGLC is to re-engage past donors who may have drifted away from giving, and to inspire new donors to step forward. By demonstrating the tangible impact of their contributions—whether through personal stories, faculty testimonials or showcasing the success of programs funded by their generosity—council members help donors see how their gifts are directly contributing to the success of the college and its students.

As the AGLC continues its work throughout the year, it will no doubt leave a lasting mark on Wheaton College, ensuring that it remains a place where opportunity thrives. Thanks to the leadership of these volunteers, the power of annual giving will continue to enhance the educational experience, enabling Wheaton and its students to discover transformative experiences and adapt to the changing needs of society. The AGLC is setting the stage for a bright future, one where community and volunteerism shape the next chapter of Wheaton’s storied legacy.

We are grateful for their leadership and commitment to growing the Mary Lyon Leadership Society, which recognizes donors making a transformative impact.