Day in the life of…Melisse Walpole

Day in the life of...Melisse Walpole

by Hattie RoszellStaff Writer

Melisse Walpole, assistant director of annual giving and alumni relations, has busy and eventful days.

After graduating from Concordia College in Minnesota, Walpole moved to North Dakota where she worked in fundraising and events planning. In October of 2004, Walpole relocated to Des Moines with her husband after seeing a job opening at Simpson.

“I knew I wanted something that incorporated what I was doing at my previous job in North Dakota,” Walpole said. “This job is unique because my time is equally split between Alumni Relations and College Advancement so I get to plan events and fundraising with many different groups.”

Walpole is currently busy with Phonathon, which is a fundraising event where 50 students are asked to work and update alumni records and call for fundraising support. Phonathon usually brings in approximately $165,000 per year.

“I would say the greatest benefit of my job is that I get to work with students, young alums and older alumni,” Walpole said. “I get great hands-on experience working with everyone, and I really enjoy what I do.”

6:30 a.m. – Wake up and get coffee7:30 – Leave for work. “I live in Des Moines so I commute to work everyday.”8:00 – Arrive at work, check e-mails, voicemail and the calendar, and usually go to the break room and get another cup of coffee. Then attend meetings, plan events and work on mailing pieces12:00 p.m.-1:00 pm. – Lunch and run errands1:00-4:30 – Work on upcoming alumni events. “I meet with Phone-a-thon students once a week.”4:30- Head home or attend an alumni event6:00-9:00 – Usually stay for Phone-a-thon6:30 – Dinner with husband and then relax, watch the news, “American Idol” and “The Late Show with David Letterman.”11:00 – Bed