Submitted by Jenna Wood For The Catholic Week MOBILE — McGill-Toolen Catholic High School Director of Advancement, Kim Dunne, has announced her retirement, effective at the end of June. Dunne's retirement marks the end of an era at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School. She has significantly impacted the school’s mission and legacy with her 12 years of dedicated service. Together, with her previous five years at St. Ignatius Catholic School, Dunne has been a driving force behind positive transformations within the school community. Dunne played a vital role in the highly successful “Scientia Pro Amore Dei" capital campaign, which raised more than $22 million for the school. Other fundraising activities under her direction have been remarkable, such as "The Fund," the school’s annual fundraising campaign that raised $3 million over 12 years. The most successful fundraiser in the school’s history, “Dancing with the Stars,” also began under her leadership and has raised $941,000 in six years. Dunne has also highlighted the positive impact the school has had on its students and the broader community throughout her leadership. She was the driving force behind the rebranding of the school’s image and identity and has been involved in successful communications for the school. Her talents and abilities were brought about by her effective communication efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, which showcased her adaptability and unwavering commitment to the school’s well-being. Lynn Clapper, McGill-Toolen Foundation president, praised Dunne's extraordinary contributions. “There is no way that words can adequately describe Kim's contribution to McGill-Toolen because there are no words to adequately describe Kim,” Clapper said. “Simply by sheer force of her happy, outgoing personality and her unwavering confidence in McGill-Toolen's Catholic mission, Kim's leadership as Advancement Director has set a standard for everyone to admire and for all of us to strive to meet. In even the most challenging situations, Kim's heart of gold is the brightest light in any room. Her love for McGill-Toolen Catholic and her ‘anything is possible’ attitude are infectious and she makes us all very proud to be a YellowJacket. We will miss her.” McGill-Toolen President Fr. Bry Shields, who has worked alongside Kim since 2007 added, “It is hard to imagine McGill-Toolen Catholic being the school it is today without the influence of Kim Dunne. Her intelligence, always cheerful and positive attitude, her ability to meet and engage others and her love for the school are truly exceptional. Everyone who has known Kim and worked with her has loved her. It will be with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to her.” As Dunne transitions into retirement, it's clear that her contributions to McGill-Toolen Catholic High School will be remembered and celebrated by all those who have been touched by her dedication. Her passion for Catholic education has left a positive mark and a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit the McGill-Toolen family for years to come. — Those interested in the position of Director of Advancement, may contact McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, Mrs. Odile Schneider, 251-445-2904 or email [email protected].