We are excited to announce that Kerrie Bentfield is joining Arrupe Jesuit High School as Director of Philanthropy. Kerrie comes to us with a deep passion for service and philanthropy, as well as an extensive professional background. Over the past year, Kerrie has served as a member of the Board of Trustees at Arrupe Jesuit, immersing herself in the school’s mission and strategic vision. This experience has provided her with a deep understanding of Arrupe Jesuit’s core values and long-term goals.
This announcement marks a new chapter in Arrupe Jesuit’s ongoing commitment to nurturing our philanthropic efforts. Kerrie’s extensive background and leadership have prepared her for this important role and over the course of her career she has developed strategies and cultivated partnerships that have significantly impacted the missions she has served.
During her time as Program Officer at the Daniels Fund, Kerrie oversaw national and community investments that aligned with the foundation’s vision of improving lives across Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Her portfolio included critical areas such as youth financial services, career and technical education, civics literacy, and community investments in rural Colorado as well as covering education, workforce development. Among her many achievements, Kerrie launched two significant initiatives—a Colorado education initiative that connected rural students with career opportunities, and a civics bee now implemented in 128 communities nationwide.
When asked about her new role she responded by saying: “Over the past seven years, I have had the privilege of engaging with the Arrupe Jesuit High School community in various roles, including funder, volunteer, donor, board member, and now staff member. I am drawn to Arrupe because its belief that economic mobility can be achieved through education and work is not just a theory; it is a living reality. I have seen, first-hand, the relentless dedication of the students, faculty, and Board of Trustees in the classroom, on the athletic field, and through the Corporate Work-Study Program. Arrupe students do not passively wait for life to happen; they actively shape their futures with determination every day,” Kerrie Bentfield.
As Director of Philanthropy, Kerrie will oversee and guide all aspects of our fundraising and development efforts. Her role will involve working closely with donors, alumni, corporate partners, and foundations to expand our base of support. Through her leadership, we aim to create more opportunities for our students and ensure that every young person who walks through our doors is given the tools, resources, and support needed to succeed.
In her new role, Kerrie is bringing a vision that aligns closely with Arrupe’s future aspirations. She understands that philanthropy is not just about raising money; it’s about creating opportunities and building a brighter future for the next generation of leaders.
Michael O'Hagan, President of Arrupe Jesuit, shared his enthusiasm for the newest addition to the leadership team. Reflecting on the appointment of Kerrie Bentfield as the Director of Philanthropy, he stated, “Arrupe Jesuit is thrilled to welcome Kerrie as the Director of Philanthropy. During her tenure as a Trustee and Chair of the Philanthropy Committee, Kerrie has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to Arrupe’s students. Under her leadership, I am confident that the Philanthropy office will continue to build the relationships and generate the resources necessary to support our students' ongoing formation.”
Beyond fundraising, Kerrie is committed to expanding the ways in which we engage with our alumni network. She understands the power of community and plans to create more opportunities for alumni to connect with current students, share their experiences, and give back in ways that go beyond financial contributions. Whether through mentorship, networking, or speaking engagements, Kerrie envisions a future where our alumni play an even greater role in shaping the success of our students.
Her background in community engagement and corporate relations will be instrumental in helping us secure more opportunities for our students to gain valuable work experience while also building strong, lasting relationships with corporate partners.
Please join us in welcoming Kerrie to the Arrupe Jesuit community!
