Chris Krivoniak ’04 took over as head of Franciscan University’s Alumni and Constituent Relations Office when Tim Delaney ’99 MBA ’07 became the Advancement Department’s new executive director of Development in June. Chris previously worked in Franciscan’s Admissions Department, then spent four years operating a family farm and launching a small business. Read on for more about Chris and his thoughts on his new role.
1.What Franciscan student experience impacted you the most?
Growing up in Steubenville, Franciscan has shaped my whole life. That only deepened when I came here as a student. Household life in AMDG formed bonds of Christian brotherhood, strengthened my faith, and fostered the call to discipleship.
Additionally, my business professors impressed on me a sense that work is not for self-aggrandizement but for service. To this day, I hear Professor Pete Zanetich saying, “You never say you don’t know an answer. You say, ‘I’ll find out for you.” It drilled “I’m here to serve” into my mind.
The presence of the friars on campus as spiritual fathers is woven through my experience. They helped keep me connected to Our Father in heaven, and I am so grateful for that.
2. How does the Alumni Relations Office mission tie into Franciscan’s overall mission?
The Alumni Office holds true to our Be Light Strategic Plan to extend the University far beyond our hilltop campus. We ensure the mission and vision of Franciscan goes beyond the hill to wherever our alumni and friends are.
We are here to serve and connect, and we want to hear from you! We want you to feel comfortable calling us and getting to know us so you can keep abreast of all the great developments on campus and stay in touch with the University.
3. What is the most rewarding part of getting to know your fellow alums?
The University has impacted the lives, growth, and formation of countless alumni in so many ways. I am blessed to vicariously re-live and come to know the many facets of the shared experience that is Franciscan on a scale I would not have been able to do otherwise. It’s truly enjoyable to learn more about what our alumni have done since leaving here, what their families have been up to, how their work has helped to form them, and how they’ve come to deepen their faith as they live out their vocations.
4. Are there any developments on campus you want to share with our alumni?
If you have not yet seen the renovated Christ the King Chapel, please come soon! The sacraments are at the core of what makes Franciscan great, and Christ the King Chapel remains the physical place at the center of so many conversions and the spiritual growth of those who come here.
I am grateful we kept the same holy space while expanding and renovating it to allow us to continue the school’s growth and mission into the future!
5. What alumni events are you most excited about?
I always love Homecoming! It’s the last weekend of September. If you haven’t been back to campus for a Homecoming, please join us sometime! We also have many regional chapters putting on events near you—come to those events! (You can check on our website—alumni.franciscan.edu—or give us a call—800-783-6447—to find the event nearest to you!) We are always looking to add regional chapters so we can meet you!
We are also working to add professional association chapters so alumni in the same fields and industries can more easily connect. Stay tuned!
Do you want to connect alumni near you to each other and to Franciscan?
Ask us how to start or get involved in a chapter: email [email protected] or call 800-783-6447.
