DENVER – The University of Denver Athletic Department is bringing back one of its own by naming Kacie Dohrmann its Deputy Athletic Director for Development, Vice Chancellor for Athletics and Ritchie Center Operations Josh Berlo announced on Wednesday.
Dohrmann, who played for Denver's volleyball program from 2007-10, most recently served as the assistant athletic director for Northwestern's Wildcat Fund, serving as a senior member of the athletics development team and overseeing Northwestern Athletics' annual giving. Since arriving at Northwestern in the summer of 2014, Dohrmann worked her way up the ladder, having been named the assistant director of the Wildcat Fund in 2016 before serving as the director of the fund from 2018 until her promotion to assistant AD in January, 2021.
"We could not be more excited to welcome Kacie back to DU Athletics," Berlo said. "Since her successful career as a Pioneer volleyball student-athlete, Kacie has spent the last decade developing an impressive career at Northwestern University and is a rising star in athletic philanthropy. I'm thrilled to add Kacie to our leadership team and look forward to bringing the entire Dohrmann family back to the couple's alma mater."
Additionally, Dohrmann carried a portfolio of major gifts, prospects and donors, annually exceeding unit goals and playing a key role in the team's successful completion of the "We Will" Campaign that amassed more than $500 million from 2014-21.
During her tenure, the Wildcat Fund dollars increased by 49%, and Northwestern saw a 23% growth in membership. Dohrmann co-founded a groundbreaking initiative, Champions for Wildcat Women, to increase funding for women's varsity sports. The campaign amassed 444 new donors and more than $460,000 of new and increased giving in its inaugural year.
"I am humbled and extremely grateful to Meriel Hughes and Josh Berlo for this remarkable opportunity," Dohrmann said. "As an alumna and former student-athlete, I am thrilled to serve the next generation of Pioneer student-athletes and give back to the incredible institution that first believed and invested in me. I cannot wait to partner with thousands of Denver alumni, fans and community members to shape the next era of DU Athletics. It truly is an honor and a privilege to come back to DU, a place that is so special to my family."
Before her time in Evanston, Dohrmann spent a year with the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and completed her MBA with a concentration in sports management from DePaul University.
Dohrmann graduated with a pair of bachelor's degrees from the University of Denver in 2011 while captaining the volleyball team. In 2007, Dohrmann (formerly Kacie Wikierak) was named the 2007 Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year and was honored as the Defensive Player of the Week for the conference seven times. While at DU, Dohrmann served as the president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and was the University's SAAC representative at the conference level.
More than a decade after the conclusion of her playing career, Dohrmann still has the top marks in the program's DI history in digs (2,012) and digs per set (4.28).
READ MORE - DenverPioneers.com Senior Feature: Kacie Wikierak
Dohrmann and her husband George (Denver, '11) met at DU and are proud to raise their young family as Pioneer fans.
WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT DOHRMANN:
Jim Phillips - Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner
"Kacie is an amazing administrator who has helped support countless student-athletes as part of her efforts in development. She is an outstanding person who builds tremendous relationships both internally and externally. To be certain, I'm pleased Kacie and her beautiful family will have the opportunity to return to her alma mater. Having worked previously with both Josh Berlo and Kacie, there's no doubt the future is incredibly bright at Denver."
Travis Goff - University of Kansas Director of Athletics
"Kacie is an exceptional leader, a proven and impactful development professional, and a passionate Pioneer. Her selfless, dedicated commitment to DU will have a profound impact on the athletics program and University more broadly. I am so happy for this amazing opportunity for her and her family."
Fred Smith – Stanford University Executive Associate Athletics Director for Development
"The Pioneer family should be excited to have one of their own back home. Kacie is a tremendous relationship builder, thoughtful fundraiser, conscientious teammate and fierce competitor. Combining her experiences and personality with her love for DU is a surefire recipe for success. She's a true Pioneer for life and I look forward to seeing her impact."
Daniel Solow - USC Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director (Chief Development Officer)
"Kacie is going to do a phenomenal job for Denver's student-athletes, alumni and fans. Her creativity, passion and ability to build meaningful relationships will enable the Pioneers to reach new levels of engagement and success."
Chris Collins - Northwestern Men's Basketball Head Coach
"Kacie Dohrmann is a home-run hire for University of Denver Athletics. I have had the opportunity to work for her here at Northwestern for many years, and her efforts and work went a long way in securing our massive facility and resource upgrades within our basketball program. I look forward to seeing the impact that Kacie will be able to have at Denver and wish her and her family all the best."
Emily Fletcher - Northwestern Women's Golf Head Coach
"Kacie Dohrmann served our Northwestern community and specifically our student-athletes with unwavering enthusiasm and dedication. She has a wonderful way of connecting with people, and I know DU will benefit from this immensely."
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