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.

	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!

	Kelly Russell Database & Gift Coordinator Warde 201 \| 319-368-6468 x1871 \| krussell@mtmercy.edu
Kelly joined Mount Mercy University's Development and Alumni Relations in August of 2021. She holds the position of Development Services Coordinator.

	Hunter Rohling Assistant Director of Annual Giving Warde 205 \| 319-286-4407 \| hrohling@mtmercy.edu
Hunter joined Mount Mercy University as the Assistant Director of Annual Giving in May 2025 and brings over 10 years of experience in team leadership and fundraising. He’s passionate about building connections and making a positive impact. He’s currently pursuing degrees in Landscape Construction & Design and Finance. He is also an avid golfer in his free time.

	Emma Hursh Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement Warde 203 \| 319-286-4405 \| ebrinson@mtmercy.edu
Emma joined Mount Mercy University as the Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement in May 2025. She is a 2020 graduate of Flagler College with a Hospitality and Tourism Management degree and earned her Master of Business Administration from the University of North Florida in 2025. Emma is passionate about higher education and connecting with alumni.

	Jessica Lien Donor Relations Coordinator Warde 204 \| 319.368.6468 \| jlien@mtmercy.edu
Jessica joined the Mount Mercy University Office of Development and Alumni Relations in 2024 and serves as the Donor Relations Coordinator. Jessica graduated from Coe College in 2012 with a degree in English and Communication Studies. She has worked for a variety of non-profits, bringing with her a depth of knowledge and passion for philanthropy. Jessica appreciates the opportunity to steward the philanthropic investment of MMU’s donors and strives to create a rewarding giving experience.