Meet the Development & Alumni Staff

The Development and Alumni Relations team supports the needs and priorities of the University through annual, major and planned giving programs.

	Lonna Drewelow '86 Associate Vice President for Development & Alumni Relations Warde 207 \| 319-286-4408 \| ldrewelow@mtmercy.edu
Lonna joined Mount Mercy University's Office of Development and Alumni Relations in 1988. She serves as the Associate Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations. Lonna earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Mount Mercy in 1986.

	Amy Shipley Advancement Services Specialist Warde 204 \| 319-368-6468 \| ashipley@mtmercy.edu
Amy joined Mount Mercy University as Advancement Service Specialist in September 2026. Amy has spent many years working in advancement offices, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the work that keeps our operations running smoothly. She will support gift processing, data management, and many of the behind-the-scenes functions that help advance our mission.

	Michaela Dion, M.Ed Senior Director for Development & Alumni Relations Warde 206 \| 319-363-1323 x1869 \| mdion@mtmercy.edu
Michaela joined Mount Mercy University as the Director for Development and Alumni Relations in May 2017. She is a 2010 graduate of Loras College and earned her Master in Higher Education Leadership from Merrimack College in 2016. Michaela loves to share her heart of blue and gold with the Mount Mercy community!

	Rachel Pursell Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement Warde 203 \| 319-286-4405 \| rpursell@mtmercy.edu
Rachel joined Mount Mercy University as Assistant Director for Alumni Engagement in August 2026. A 2022 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, she earned a degree in Family Services while also studying Recreation, Tourism, and Nonprofit Leadership. Before coming to Mount Mercy, Rachel spent three years working in higher education and discovering the impact of strong campus and alumni connections. She looks forward to building relationships with Mount Mercy alumni and helping them stay connected to the university.