Gina Amato Yazzolino ’96 has been named director of alumni and parent relations effective April 12. Yazzolino succeeds Craig Swinyard, Ph.D. ’98, who stepped away from the position last December to resume teaching as an associate professor in the Department of Mathematics.
“Our University of Portland community will benefit from Gina’s strong non-profit experience and her zeal for relationship-building,” said Bryce Strang, vice president for University relations. “At a time when we are hopeful to return to some sense of normalcy, Gina joins a collaborative, University–wide effort to connect and provide meaningful engagement opportunities with our alumni and parent population.”
Yazzolino comes to UP from the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Oregon where she was development manager since 2015 with a special focus on major gifts and planned giving. Her career also features other successful nonprofit assignments, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Archbishop Howard School at St. Rose.
“It is an honor and privilege to be joining the University of Portland community as director of alumni and parent telations,” said Yazzolino. “As a proud alumna returning to The Bluff, I look forward to strengthening connections and engagement with the alumni and parent communities through service, leadership, advocacy and faith rooted in our Holy Cross education.”