Bucek, who is based in the Chicago area, is a knowledgeable development officer with over 20 years of experience in the field, including several years in higher education. In her most recent role as director of major and planned gifts at Elgin Community College Foundation, she served as a strategic leader for the fundraising arm of the college.

Bucek says she is excited to be back at IC. She credits her Illinois College education with inspiring her to make a difference through a career in philanthropy.

“The knowledge and skills I gained as a student at IC have been invaluable throughout my adult life. While I have always been a supporter of the College through alumni gifts and activities, the opportunity to assist my alma mater in expanding and growing its reach is a dream come true,” Bucek said.

At Illinois College, Bucek will work closely with President Barbara A. Farley and the College’s leadership team to set priorities, goals and strategies around the College’s fundraising and campaign efforts. This includes Inspiring Achievement: The Campaign for Illinois College, a $50 million comprehensive campaign that publicly launched in May and has already raised over $37 million for
student support. Bucek brings an extensive background in fostering relationships with alumni, parents and area partners. She looks forward to widely engaging the Illinois College community.

Bucek earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and economics from Illinois College and completed coursework at the University of Missouri – St. Louis toward a master’s degree in public policy administration. She is a member of the West Suburban
Philanthropic Network of Illinois and the Council of Advancement and Support of Education.