Staff Spotlight: Dominic Lawrence

BY SARAH MCDONOUGH
Cardinal Staff

After graduating from Saint Mary’s University in 2006, Dominic Lawrence did not think he would have the opportunity to give back to SMU as much as he has in the past three years.

Through his employment with the university’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations, Lawrence is involved with the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies while also working to raise funds to meet the needs of our university and students.

Lawrence’s current title with the university is leadership gift officer, and he meets “with SMU benefactors who would like to share their time, talent and treasures with our school; traveling as far as California, Texas and Florida,” said Lawrence.

One of Lawrence’s bigger accomplishments has been the establishment of an endowed scholarship of $50,000.

“Raising funds for students is a need which is close to my heart,” said Lawrence. “I would have never been able to attend SMU if it weren’t for the support of our generous benefactors. To raise $1 or $100,000 is equally important; to see others understand and support the needs of our campus is something special.”

Besides helping current students, Lawrence loves having the opportunity to reengage with alumni and hear about their time spent at SMU. Through these stories, he has heard about the progression of SMU and is thankful to now be a part of making history with his own efforts of accomplishing our university’s needs.

Since becoming a staff member in 2007, Lawrence has received his Master of Arts in Philanthropy and Development while a full-time employee at SMU and married his college sweetheart, Sara (Vargason ’06) Lawrence. On campus, Lawrence has been a staff advisor for Together Encountering Christ (T.E.C.) retreats and has enjoyed opening his home to visiting students from San Miguel School of Chicago.

“To know you’re making a difference is worth putting in all the long hours,” said Lawrence. “Now as an alum and former student, knowing my work directly impacts my alma mater as well as current students is a great feeling.”