Episode 4

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Published on:

28th Apr 2026

Why University Advancement Is More Than Fundraising with Matt Gwin

Most people think University Advancement is just about asking for donations but Matt Gwin shatters that myth in this episode. Discover how Marquette’s Advancement Team impacts students before they even set foot on campus, supports them throughout their journey, and continues to invest in their future long after graduation.

Advancement isn’t just fundraising, it’s about building a community of support that transforms lives through scholarships, emergency funds, and student wellness initiatives.

Ever wondered what actually happens behind the scenes when a student faces a crisis or how alumni are inspired to give back in life-changing ways? Listen in for the insider stories that reveal why Advancement is a vital part of the Marquette experience.

Episode Highlights:

05:58 - We really think of really unique ways to bring the Marquette experience to life with for our alumni, for our supporters, in really thoughtful and strategic ways that I think really set us apart and really stand the test of be the difference.

07:38 - That feeling of being able to provide an experience that changed your life to someone else is not only personally gratifying for our incredibly generous supporters, but I think it really carries the missional piece of Marquette through to others.

22:15 - Our whole purpose here is to really help guide those who are very passionate about Marquette in matching their interests with the priorities of the university. They want to make sure that they can help the next generation have those experiences.

Connect with the Office of Student Development

Additional Resources:

• https://give.marquette.edu/give-to-marquette

• Parent Philanthropy // Alumni // Marquette University

• Contact Matt at matthew.gwin@marquette.edu

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About the Podcast

Marquette CAREs
Highlighting the people and programs that bring “We Are Marquette” to life.

College life can be exciting, overwhelming, surprising, and transformative. Often all at once!

The Marquette CAREs Podcast supports students and families as they navigate that journey with clarity, connection, and compassion. Hosted by Kelly Albrecht, CARE Team Case Manager at Marquette University, each episode features a campus expert, community partner, or student leader exploring topics such as well-being, safety, transition, struggle, resilience, and growth.

In these 25-30 minute conversations, listeners gain practical takeaways, behind-the-scenes context, and real talk about what students experience throughout their time at Marquette. Each episode closes with our signature “We Are” Moment, where guests share a personal story of care, support, or community. A reminder that at Marquette, we show up for one another.

Informative, accessible, and rooted in cura personalis, this podcast is your guide to understanding how we care for the whole person at Marquette University.

About your hosts

Zabrian "Z" Oglesby

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Zabrian "Z" Oglesby (ze/zir or they/them) serves as the Assistant Dean of Students within the Office of Student Development housed in Division of Belonging and Student Affairs at Marquette University.

Zabrian joined Marquette in July 2023 as Assistant Director of the LGBTQ+ Resource Center and brings more than a decade of experience as a Student Affairs administrator. Their expertise spans Student Conduct, Crisis Response, Operational Excellence, and Social Justice Education.

Beyond Marquette, Zabrian is a Senior Instructional Program Manager at CodePath, a tech-education nonprofit reimagining higher education for first-generation and low-income students and preparing the first AI-native generation of engineers, CTOs, and founders.

MU OSD

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The staff in the Office of Student Development serve as educators and supporters who are available to help you make the most of your college experience. The office oversees SPARK, New Student and Family Orientation, Family Weekend, Student Conduct, and the CARE Team.

The Office of Student Development is located in room 329 of the Alumni Memorial Union. The office is open Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.