DePauw Stories

Nadia Mitchem graduated from DePauw in 1998 with a major in psychology and a minor in education. When Mitchem was a senior, President Robert G. Bottoms encouraged her to consider fundraising and philanthropy as a career. She began her post-graduation life working in DePauw’s Development and Alumni Engagement Division.

“That first job at DePauw was a formal introduction to philanthropy, understanding the hows and whys of fundraising, the long-term strategy, planning for multiple years out, exploring trends, how to best position for growth and sustainability while remaining viable and relevant,” she said. “That environment allowed for a level of autonomy, experimentation and creativity that many of my peers did not have fresh out of college.”  

After leaving DePauw, Mitchem expanded her philanthropic expertise to include politics, conservation, humanitarian aid and health care. After several years working to connect individuals and corporations with causes, Nadia pivoted her career into leadership roles in volunteer management, operations and customer experience at flagship nonprofits, the American Red Cross and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where she led teams, built infrastructure, scaled national programs and designed experiences. 

Mitchem credits activities at DePauw for helping her hone skills that led to career success. She was a resident assistant, the president of South Quad through the Residence Hall Association, a student body vice president and a member of the Association of African American Students and Union Board.  “Being engaged in so many organizations also facilitated other opportunities,” Mitchem said. “For example, I was invited to take part in interview panels for prospective university administrators and professors and make presentations to the Board of Trustees. Collectively, those opportunities are the leadership laboratory and training ground that DePauw provides to students.”

Campus organizations are not the only training ground preparing students for the world. “There were times when DePauw felt like a bubble; however, we were not insulated from the issues of the day,” Mitchem said. “Not unlike students of today, we too grappled with inclusion, racism and equity on campus and as we navigated the world beyond Greencastle. I remember the administrators during my years making space to hear the perspective of students on issues that were important to us. Those conversations, debates and the task forces that often resulted were yet another laboratory for learning and using one’s voice. I encourage today’s students to also participate in such conversations, seek solutions and to take action.” 

Alumni helped to shape Mitchem’s experience. “The on-campus presence of Black alumni such as Bing Davis ’59, Marvin Flewellen ’85, Charles Bennett ’74, Lisa Henderson Bennett ’93 and several others meant a lot,” she said. “Not only could they uniquely relate, they mentored, advised and demonstrated how to successfully leverage the DePauw experience. I also think about the legacies of Tucker Wilson (1888), Percy Julian ’20 and Vernon Jordan ’57. They helped pave the way for current and future students, passing the baton from one generation of alumni to the next, building, growing, supporting. I feel an obligation to do the same. I also think that sometimes you need to put your money where your mouth is. If you want to have an opinion about something, you need to be involved and participate, which is one of several reasons why I support DePauw philanthropically.” 

Since graduation, Mitchem has remained involved with DePauw in a variety of volunteer roles. She received the Young Alumni Award in 2016 and has served on reunion committees, Centers Advisory Board, Inclusive Excellence Advocacy Committee, Board of Visitors, Alumni Board, Alumni of Color Advisory Council and GOLD Alumni Board.