Bianchi previously served as senior director of alumni and donor engagement at Millikin University from August 2013 to August 2015. During her tenure, she was responsible for the overall management of the University's alumni and donor engagement programs and events, which were designed to engage Millikin alumni and friends with the overall life of the University. Bianchi's leadership in strategizing and collaborating with others across campus to reach out to alumni and friends was instrumental in the success of the recent Transform MU Capital Campaign.
Millikin President Dr. Patrick White noted, "I am very pleased and Millikin University is fortunate to have Gina Bianchi in this important position at this time of transition. She brings proven leadership and management skills, fundraising experience in several key areas, and great love of Millikin to this vital role."
Bianchi has an extensive background in higher education having spent a successful 17-year career at Illinois State University (ISU) in various positions. She spent six years working in the Illinois State University Athletics Department as assistant director of the athletics study center while earning her master's degree in athletic administration.
Bianchi later spent two years working as the athletic development coordinator for Illinois State before being named director of ISU's Annual Fund. As the director of ISU's Annual Fund, she surpassed the goal of raising $1 million for the first time in ISU history. She was subsequently named director of development for the division of student affairs, and for six years served as director of alumni relations at Illinois State.
"I am honored to have this opportunity to serve my alma mater in a new role and grateful to President White for his confidence in me," Bianchi says. "I look forward to engaging Millikin alumni and friends more fully in the life of this university in meaningful ways, through sharing of their talents, their service, and their financial support for the benefit of this great institution. Millikin has an exciting future, and I am proud to play a part in it as we work to deliver on the promise of a Performance Learning education for new generations of students."
Bianchi earned her undergraduate degree at Millikin in communication and public relations. As a student, she was active in several campus organizations, played women's softball and also served as a resident assistant. Upon graduation she remained close to her alma mater serving as a class fundraising agent, class reunion chair and volunteer admission counselor.