At Arrupe Jesuit High School, our community thrives thanks to the dedication and passion of individuals like Kelly Thomas, our Associate Director of Philanthropy. With a vibrant spirit and a heart full of commitment, Kelly has been a cornerstone of our community for the past ten years, driving initiatives that connect donors and students while embodying the values of Jesuit education.
Kelly’s journey began in Shaker Heights, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, where she grew up surrounded by a supportive community. Her educational journey took her to Loyola University Maryland, where she earned a degree in Business Management, followed by an MBA from Regis University. This strong foundation in business management has been instrumental in her success within her role in the philanthropy department.
Before joining Arrupe Jesuit, Kelly gained valuable experience in diverse roles that shaped her professional journey. She started as a Marketing Coordinator at a playground company, and then a position at the Colorado Thought Leaders Forum/Strategic Connections, where she helped run meetings and plan networking events for two years. These experiences honed her organizational skills and her ability to build meaningful connections, laying the groundwork for her future role at Arrupe.
Kelly’s transition to the field of education was inspired by her deep-rooted connection to Jesuit institutions. Having attended a Jesuit-affiliated grade school, high school, and college, Kelly experienced firsthand the transformative power of a Jesuit education. When a fundraising position opened at Arrupe, she saw it as an incredible opportunity to give back and help families access the same life-changing education she had received. This alignment of personal values and professional aspirations made her a perfect fit for Arrupe’s mission.
As the Associate Director of Philanthropy, Kelly has spent the past decade fostering relationships that support the school's mission and its students. Her efforts have been instrumental in developing and enhancing programs that create lasting impacts. One of her proudest achievements is the Sponsor-A-Student Program, which facilitates deeper connections between donors and students. This initiative not only supports students financially but also enriches their educational experiences through personal interactions with their benefactors. Seeing the tangible impact of her work on the lives of students and the heartfelt connections formed between donors and students brings Kelly immense joy and satisfaction.
Kelly’s journey at Arrupe Jesuit High School has been filled with both professional and personal milestones. One of her most memorable moments came this past September when she married her husband in the school’s chapel. Sharing this special day with her family and her new extended family at Arrupe highlighted the deep personal connections she has forged within the community.
Kelly attributes her success and happiness at Arrupe to the talented people she works with. She fondly remembers the colleagues who have moved on, and cherishes the continued collaboration with those who remain. The sense of camaraderie and mutual support among the Arrupe staff has been a driving force in her professional journey.
As Kelly looks to the future, she remains committed to enhancing the programs that support Arrupe’s students and fostering the relationships that make these programs possible. Her innovative spirit and passion for Jesuit education continue to inspire her daily, and she is always seeking new ways to improve and expand the impact of her work.
In her role as Associate Director of Philanthropy, Kelly embodies the core values of Arrupe Jesuit High School. Her dedication, creativity, and deep sense of community have made her an invaluable member of our team. We are incredibly grateful for all that she has done and continues to do for our students, families, and donors.
As we celebrate Kelly’s contributions, we look forward to many more years of her compassionate leadership and innovative spirit. Thank you, Kelly, for all that you do. Your work and dedication truly make a difference in the lives of our students and the broader Arrupe community.
