Co-Founder and the first elected President of JAINA (1981-1985)
Founder and 15-year President of Jain Society of Metropolitan Washington (1980-1993, 1996)
Awards: Jain Ratna in1995 and several other award
Dr. Dharamsi founded the Jain Society of Metropolitan Washington (JSMW) in 1980 with the objective of promoting a better understanding and following of Jain principles, preserving our rich heritage, and passing it on to our next generation.
He served as president for first 14 years and raised JSMW to a very active and pioneering Jain organization starting a number of new Jain activities in North America including holding annual Jain camps and weekly Pathshala, holding
Jain Academic Bowl program (which was later taken to JAINA in 1993) and celebrating Ahimsa Day on the Thanksgiving Day; and established a Jain temple/Jain Center in 1989. He continued his devoted service to JSMW as trustee and
the chairperson of the Board of Trustees. He is currently active in establishing a new 30,000 sq. ft. Jain Center with Shikharbandhi Shwetambar & Digambar Derasars, Sthanak, Upashray, Jain Knowledge Center, classrooms, multi-purpose
hall, kitchen, etc.
After founding Jain Society of Metropolitan Washington in 1980, Dr. Dharamsi realized the need of sharing with all Jain centers the Jain teachings/literature, a list of Jain scholars and various activities held at all Jain Centers;
and raised the idea with the leaders of 7 other Jain Centers then in USA. In May 1981, during the Jain convention in Los Angeles, he played a major role in establishing a Federation of Jain Organizations of North America (FJONA).
An ad-hoc committee was established, and Manoj started contacting other Jain centers to join the federation and persuading Jains in other cities to start Jain associations and join the federation. Manoj and also Vinay Jain from
Boston suggested to change the name of the organization to Federation of Jain Associations in North America to rhyme as JAINA instead of FJONA. During the second Jain Convention in NY in May 1983, constitution of JAINA was approved
and Manoj was unanimously elected as the President of JAINA.
As president of JAINA, Dr. Dharamsi’s major goal was to keep JAINA as a united federation of all Jains in North America irrespective of different beliefs of and rituals followed by various Jain sects. Despite strong opposition, he
was firm in keeping the federation a nonsectarian organization and was successful in convincing 15 Jain Centers to join the federation. He worked on following activities to lay the groundwork for its foundation as a nonsectarian
organization.
Applied and received from the IRS the Identification Number 54-1280028 for JAINA with his home address in Virginia as the primary address for JAINA, and then applied for non-profit status.
Prepared and distributed the list of various Jain Scholars in India to all member associations and invited and arranged the visit of 6 Jain scholars
Kept all Jain centers informed periodically of Jain information and activities at various member Jain Associations.
Sent to member Associations a kit providing guidelines for applying to the IRS for non-profit status.
Distributed a small booklet on Jainism and the book “Outline of Jainism” to all member Jain Associations.
Prepared a short brochure on Jainism and sent out to all member associations for distribution to libraries, schools, and inter-faith organizations.
Prepared and distributed to all member associations a letter for sending out to U.S. Military Selective Service to avoid drafting any Jain youth for military service, mentioning that being a follower of Jainism, he/she believes
in the main principle of non-violence and is a conscientious objector to harming/killing anyone.
Planned and announced a week-long trip in December 1983 to visit Palitana and other temples with Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanu who graciously offered to grace the program. However, because of the poor mass communication capability
those days, the trip was cancelled due to insufficient applicants.
In coordination with Detroit Jain Center leaders, Manoj planned the third Jain convention in
Detroit in May 1985 and convened over the convention. During the meeting of all delegates, following major resolutions were approved:
Approved to continue keeping JAINA a non-sectarian organization.
Established a Publication Committee to prepare and mail out quarterly newsletters (which later resulted in publication and mailing of Jain Digest initially to all member associations and later to all Jains).
Established a Membership Committee to promote Jain Centers to become a member association of JAINA
Established a Marriage Information Service Committee to invite ads and bios of youths ready for marriage and to facilitate limited exchange of information
Dr. Dharamsi incorporated JAINA in the state of Virginia and continued his active participation in JAINA as chair of various committees. His major accomplishments as chair of various committees include:
Mahavir Memorial Committee Chair (1999-2002) to celebrate the 2600th birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir: Arranged the historical opening of the US Congress in May 2001 with a Jain prayer and not a Christian prayer. The program was
attended a large number of Jains and by all presidents of JAINA. Manoj also prepared a brochure on Lord Mahavir and Jainism, and distributed copies to various schools and libraries for promoting Jainism.
Public Affairs Committee Chair (2009-2015): Arranged Legislative Conferences on Peace, Harmony & Non-Violence at US Capitol in 2009, 2012, 2013 that included speeches by Congressmen & White House staff and panel discussions.
A meeting of attendees with their congressmen/senators was also arranged during these programs.
Convenor of JAINA conventions in NY (1983) and Detroit (1985), Chair of the Program Committee of the 1999 and 2011 JAINA Conventions, and a member of other Convention Boards. 1999 convention held near Philadelphia was the first (and also the largest)
convention featuring a number of new startups and was attended by about 10,000 registrants. The 2011 convention held in Houston was probably the most successful convention with excellent programs and facilities. Manoj started
having a number of new programs in JAINA conventions as follows:
Invited various Jain groups to hold a get-together/meeting at the convention and scheduled their program
Started holding a new “Jains Got Talent” program in JAINA Conventions (started in the 2011 JAINA Convention in Houston)
Started holding Jain Academic Bowl program (hosted it during 1995 and 1997 conventions and then turned it over to the JAINA Education Committee)
Started publishing a program book along with a spreadsheet showing parallel programs held in different rooms each hour and displayed it on large posters during the 1999 convention.
Started holding a Jain drama during conventions. (arranged “Gandhi before Gandhi” professional drama on Shrimad Rajchandra during the 2011 Houston convention).
JAINA Award Committee Chair (2005, 2009, 2011 and 2013): In 2005, he prepared the forms for nominating members for JAINA Awards to show their accomplishments in various categories. Also developed selection criteria with points
to be used to evaluate the nominees to select awardees. These forms are still being used for selection of awardees.
Constitution Review Committee Co-chair (2006-2009): Proposed several important amendments to the JAINA constitution which were all ratified in January 2009.
Membership Committee Chair until 1989: Persuaded 14 other cities to start Jain centers and increased the membership of JAINA to 29 by 1989.
Interfaith Committee Chair until 1998: Shared Jain religion principles with leaders of other faiths and arranged Interfaith panel discussion sessions at JAINA conventions.
After completing High School in Khamgaon (Maharashtra), Dr. Dharamsi completed B.E. with honors from Jabalpur University in 1959, worked at BHEL in Bhopal for 7 years and moved to the USA in August 1966. He completed his M.S. degree
at IIT Chicago in June 1967, and after moving to Dallas in 1969, Manoj, while working full time, studied for and received Ph.D. degree in Information Systems from SMU Dallas in 1973, both with a GPA of 4 out of 4. He worked as
research engineer at US DoD/DISA and upon his retirement, US Flag was flown at Pentagon on 1 January 2012 to honor his 35 years of honorable service with the U.S. Department of Defense. Manoj and his wife Kanta live in Reston a
suburb of Washington, DC.
It is my great honor and privilege to write a message of congratulations on the 40th anniversary of the founding of JAINA. I feel fortunate to be one of the co-founder of JAINA in 1981. It was a dream come true for me. I went on
to serve two terms as President and Vice President.
Here are a few great things we accomplished during the formative years of JAINA.
In 1983 applied and received tax ID # and exempt status from Internal Revenue service under IRS Code 501 (c) (3).
First amendment to JAINA constitution to fulfill IRS requirements. This was done through mail solicitation from member organizations
Dreamed, named and started publication of a quarterly magazine “Jain Digest” in 1985.
Initiated $101.00 Patron membership of Jain Digest
In 1985-86 started the Visiting Scholars program.
Started Director-at-large program. This was accomplished by making an amendment to the JAINA constitution.
Raised about $11,000.00 for PBS documentary film “Ahimsa-Non-violence.
Sponsor the historical visits of Acharya Chandana ji in 1988 and Triputi Maharaj in 1989.
First time a Professional Audit of JAINA’s books of account was conducted by Coopers & Lybrand (one of the big eight CPA firms in USA at that time) a no charge to JAINA.
Initiated a draft of the YJA constitution.
Painstakingly created and maintained Jain Digest mailing list.
In 2006 as a Chairperson of Governmental and International organization committee, we were successful in getting NGO status at the UN.
day when the world is torn in war, violence, and of-course COVID-19, those who have the rich heritage of Ahimsa, Anekantavada, and Aparigraha are blessed. Bhagwan Mahavir lit the lamp of non-violence and peaceful ways of co-existence
with all living beings.
On this occasion, I also want to congratulate the current team of JAINA executives for discharging their responsibilities beyond the call of duties.
Sulekh C. Jain, Ph. D in Mechanical Engineering is the Founder /Co-Founder of more than a dozen organizations and institutions in North America. He is the past Secretary and President of Federation of Jain Associations in North
America (JAINA), Jain Society of Houston, Jain Center of Cincinnati/Dayton and several other organizations. He has published widely (articles and book) on Engineering, Jainism, Ahimsa and Gandhi. His latest book; “An Ahimsa
Crisis; You Decide!” is downloadable free at www.isjs.in
The International School for Jain Studies which he co-founded in 2004 with Dr. Shugan Jain has been instrumental in changing the face of Jain Academic Studies in North America and Europe.
He taught at several Universities in USA, (including at MIT as a Guest Lecturer), Canada, U.K and India. He retired in 1998 from GE Aircraft Engines in Cincinnati, Ohio. He authored several dozen technical papers and 9 US and International
patents in Technology.
Dr. Jain has won many awards from commercial, professional and religious organizations including JAINA Ratna Award.
Sulekh Jain and his wife Ravi Jain have been active in many Indian and non-Indian organizations such as Vegan Society and others. Currently they live in Henderson, Nevada; a suburb of Las Vegas, USA.
JAINA Convention was held in Toronto from July 4 to 6th and was most successful convention with more than 7000 people attending.
During my presidency Myself and my wife Savita visited many centers and had town hall meetings with center members, talked to them what way JAINA can help their center.
Dr. L.M. Sighvi was the Keynote speaker and theme of convention was “Jainism in Practice” a new brochure on this was published at this Convention
Ravindra jain musician and Singer was main attraction, he entertained with his songs and Janak Khendry performed dances on Jain themes.
US aid registration was filed with Government and was approved.
Bhagwan Mahavir Jain Education fund was started on 75th birthday of Pujya Chitrabhanuji and 75,000/- dollars were raised.
Dr. Dhiraj Shah was installed as incoming New JAINA president.
Early Life and Education
Born in Gujarat, India, Dr. Shah pursued his medical education and earned his M.D. before
immigrating to the United States, where he built a respected career in radiology. His
upbringing in the Jain tradition, rooted in ahimsa (nonviolence) and compassion, shaped the
values that guided both his professional and community life.
Medical and Humanitarian Service
In December 1992, Dr. Shah organized a remarkable medical camp in Bidada, Kutch, India,
where he led a group of 40 doctors and volunteers from the U.S. Together, they served nearly
20,000 needy patients in rural areas. To finance this ambitious camp, he mobilized support
from 561 families and raised $120,000. Following the devastating Kutch earthquake of 2001,
Dr. Shah spearheaded rehabilitation efforts to rebuild lives and communities. With $600,000
raised from the U.S. and Canada, he helped construct Vardhman Nagar township in Kutch,
consisting of 250 homes, a school, a community hall, and a medical clinic. In 2003, he
extended his commitment to healthcare by founding a free medical clinic that now treats about
20,000 patients annually. He also launched computer literacy classes for underprivileged
students, hiring a teacher to ensure daily instruction.
Leadership in JAINA
Dr. Shah rose through the ranks of JAINA, serving as First Vice President (1995–1997) and
then as President (1997–1999). His presidency was marked by groundbreaking initiatives:
He organized the first Jain Pathshala Teachers Conference in 1997 in Boston, in collaboration
with the Jain Center of Greater Boston. - In December 1998, he organized and subsidized the
first JAINA-led pilgrimage to sacred Jain sites in India, personally accompanying 64 pilgrims.
In July 1999, he successfully organized one of JAINA’s largest conventions at Valley Forge,
Pennsylvania, attracting more than 9,000 attendees. Under his leadership, JAINA was also
registered with USAID in the United States and with corresponding authorities in India.
Civic Recognition and Advocacy
In November 1993, Dr. Shah was invited to the White House by President Bill Clinton to
witness the signing of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). In recognition of his
contributions, he received the JAINA Ratna Award in July 1993, and later, the Prime Minister
of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, personally honored him with the prestigious Jain Ratna Award
on April 8, 2001. In 2008, he received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in the U.S., and most recently, his lifetime of service was recognized by Suryadatta University, Pune, India, with a
Lifetime Achievement Award on February 8, 2023.
Values and Legacy
A steadfast believer in Jain philosophy, Dr. Shah has lived the principles of ahimsa
(nonviolence) and anekantvad (respect for multiple perspectives). During the Vietnam War
draft of 1970, he stood firm as a conscientious objector based on Jain principles and prevailed
after twenty months of legal struggle, setting a precedent for future generations. His legacy
rests on institution-building within JAINA, humanitarian service to thousands, and inspiring
leadership rooted in Jain ethics.
served as the JAINA President during the years 2003 through 2005 and have attended all of the JAINA conventions beginning 1991. There have been ups and downs along the way- some conventions truly excelled; others did not come out
as expected by the community but the good news is that the JAINA leadership has continually learned and refined its operations over the years. It appears that the 2021 Virtual Convention is shaping to be one of the best ever.
The current JAINA leadership, advanced technology plus the involvement of the young, energetic, and tech savvy people are providing the powerful tailwinds this time. The experience we gain this time will go a long way in holding
the future conventions. KUDOS to Maheshbhai Wadher, EC, Convention Board and the selfless volunteers for this wonderful achievement.
JAINA as an organization has gone through gyrations over the years but it now seems it has gained a powerful momentum. Its leadership in the past used to be mainly busy with the conventions but now the landscape has improved remarkably.
COVID -19 also helped us in this process because it provided the entire Jain community a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the JAINA-initiated projects and made it aware of the power of a united JAINA. I believe JAINA has
a huge potential. Our people are well educated, intelligent, pragmatic, resourceful and can make a big impact in America, India and other parts of the world. However, unity is the key. No matter what our differences are, we should
always focus on the larger good. We have the capability to move mountains if we play our cards right. We are indeed a very blessed community.
I would like to convey my wishes for the success of the upcoming 2021 Virtual JAINA Convention and express deep gratitude to everyone involved in making the upcoming convention a grand success.
Asha and I send our warmest greetings and best wishes to Jain communities in the United States and around the world during JAINA’s virtual convention.
As many of our fellow Jains begin attending this event, we are reminded of how difficult the last 16 months have been for us and still are for our family and friends across the globe, especially in India. In this pandemic, friends
and loved ones cannot yet freely gather together in celebration of the fourth of July holidays and far too many families will miss their loved ones.
Jain Americans have enriched this nation for many years. We are as diverse and vibrant as the America we have helped build. Today, Jains and Indian Americans are leading in efforts to fight COVID-19, playing a pioneering role in vaccine
development, and serving as frontline health care workers. We are creating jobs as entrepreneurs and business owners, risking our lives as first responders, teaching in our schools, serving as dedicated public servants across the
nation, and playing a leading role in our ongoing struggle for racial equity and social justice.
As we remember those who we have lost since last Mahavir Jayanti, we are hopeful for brighter days ahead as we attend conventions sessions. We wish your families an inspiring and rewarding JAINA Virtual Convention 2021.
Ashok Domadia is past President of JAINA (2015-2017). He was Convener for JAINA Convention 2015 in Atlanta. In the past, he also served as JAINA First Vice-President, JAINA Secretary, JAINA VP-West, Director, Conventions Board
member, and JAINA Campus Outreach Committee founder.
JAINA implemented many progressive global Jain initiatives under his leadership such as popular weekly JAINA Newsletter, robust Jiv Daya programs, strong social media presence, 24x7 JAINA App, on-line Pathshala, outsourcing of
JAINA work to reduce cost by $ 150K per year, exclusive JAINA events in White House and Capitol Hill, Jainism Chairs in US Universities etc..
Major JAINA accomplishments and activities from July 2015 – July 2017
JAINA became much stronger financially. Our vision of outsourcing JAINA work to a team in India in 2015 has saved over $ 150,000 every year since implementing it in December 2015 while tripling JAINA staff, thus ensuring JAINA
can remain healthy financially forever.
JAINA organized its exclusive event in White House and Padmavati Devi Pujan at Capitol Hill for the first time in the history of USA.
Represented JAINA at a Luncheon with PM Narendra Modi in 2016 in San Jose, CA. JAINA Delegation met the first JAIN Chief Minister of Gujarat- Mr Vijay Rupani in Ahmedabad in 2017.
We increased the frequency of JAINA eNewsletter from monthly to weekly with distribution to 20,000 families globally. In addition, we started publishing daily Newsletter for all 18 days of Paryushan and Das Lakshana Parva in 2016.
Launched 24x7 JAINA Mangalam App which is available at any time and from anywhere in the world on your home TV, Smart Phone, Tablet or any internet connected device.
JAINA created history by launching On-line Pathshala through its youth wing YJA in 2017.
JAINA Convention in Atlanta in July 2015 was a life-time memorable event.
JAINA had taken a lead in collaborating with global Jain leaders to successfully attain stay order from Supreme Court of India at the time when Rajasthan High Court outlawed practice of Sallekhana/ Santhara.
Virtual tour of temples was introduced at our web site www.jaina.org . You can do virtual darshan in real time at anytime from anywhere.
JAINA increased Social Media presence from 100 to over 15,000 followers in 2015-2017 on Social Media platforms - Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Blogs. Social Media channels and our website are updated daily.
Youth Exchange program of JAINA in collaboration with JITO – the largest Jain organization in India was started in 2015 and is a huge success.
Occupation : Professor, Business Owner & Real Estate Investor & Developer (Licensed Real Estate & Insurance Agent)
Member Association : Jain Center of New Jersey - Essex Falls, NJ (JCNJ)
Goals
My goals are to make JAINA financially strong without cutting programs, help JAINA fundraising activities, organize regional Jain Milan Conventions (the most urgent need for the Jain community), work closely with the Directors from
all Jain Centers, and establish a college scholarship for Jain graduate students (I already have $100,000+ in commitments)."
"Founder, CEO at American Tex- Chem Corporation, known as “AMTEX� a well-known Nationwide supplier to Hospitality Industry founded in 1989 from small 10’ X 10’ room and
now occupying a million square foot of warehousing facilities carrying more than 15,000 different products on stock."
President & CEO of Shiv Shakti Industries Inc., founded in 2002 a Real Estate Construction and Real Estate owners.
President & CEO of Krupalu LLC, founded in 2015 a Commercial Real Estate Developers.
Member Association :
Jain Temple of Los Angeles (JTLA)
Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC)
Vision and Goals
To work closely with all the Jain Centers and see interaction in bringing ideas that would encompass activities and meaningful connection with JAINA.
Revamp JAINA website to make it interactive and more useful to members.
Make JAINA more of a service organization.
To see how JAINA get connected with the 150,000 Jains that are residing in North America.
My focus will always be to support and ensure that all JAINA projects are financially self-sufficient
To create JAINA India Foundation, to conduct events/activities in India - like International Conferences etc.
Religious Sites clean-up in India
To Create an Endowments & Planned Giving Committee
To create a Jain Population Survey in North America
To create Jaina Canada office.
Accomplishments
Successfully carried out my duties working in different capacities as follows:
While supporting all the current JAINA activities, I would like to start or strengthen these innovative programs.
Create a volunteer program for our adults: Tutoring American school children of all ages. Our community's greatest asset is the education we possess. A targeted long-term project to selflessly assisting disadvantaged children will give Jains of North
America a distinct identity, prestige and bring positive attention.
Join hands with like-minded organizations like Swaminarayan Sanstha, or Hindu organizations, to create assisted living facilities for our seniors.
Create a mentoring program for newly arriving Jain students from India. We now have relationships with many Jain institutions in India that provide loans and scholarships every year to estimated 800 students coming to North America for higher studies.
We should reach out to them as early as possible and help them join societies in the cities and universities they attend. Connect them to YJA, YJP, Jain Connect, and JAINA. Currently, we are missing out on this opportunity
to expand our base.
Employ innovative technologies to listen to the community's voices. Hold Bi-monthly virtual town hall meetings at various Jain centers.
Expand our matrimonial program "JAIN CONNECT" globally to preserve, protect and propagate our values. JAINS marrying JAINS is very important for our future.
Make JAINA a household name worldwide for Jain Unity and JAINA's education programs like JAB Competitions, the English language unified Pathshala curriculum, Jain E-library, and online Jain education courses.
Vision For JAINA
JAINA should be a service organization for all the Jains of North America from the cradle to the grave. I am a second generation of Jains in America. We are in a different situation than our parents – the first generation of
immigrants who struggled to settle in America. Now I have a college-age son. So, I see the needs of our seniors, adults, youth, and kids. We have successfully managed the first phase of immigrant activities – Settling down,
developing communities, building Temples, Pathshalas, and Jain Centres, etc. Now the time has come to address our senior citizens' needs and find imaginative ways to pass on our precious Jain heritage to our next generation
and beyond.
Today, first-generation immigrants are in their seventies and eighties. We must design programs for their health, safety, and wellness. Assisted living in their communities is the need of the hour.
We all have assured good education to our kids, now we have to develop resources for them in the only language they read and write – English. We have to go beyond pathshala material and rituals. We must provide opportunities for them to learn the fundamentals
of Jain Philosophy, reinforce the Jain way of living and make them proud of their dual Heritage: Indian and Jain heritage.
JAINA is in the best position to achieve all of the above.
Experience & Accomplishments
For the last 22 years, I have been actively serving the community locally and nationally.
Local: Delaware Jain Sangh:
Helped found Delaware Jain Sangh in 1999 for 100+ families.
Helped Delaware Sangh to become a JAINA member.
Currently serving as JAINA Director from Delaware Jain Sangh.
Jain Sangh of NJ
Served 14 years as EC Member, Jt. Secretary & Vice President.
Managed Food committee to serve over 200,000 meals over the years.
Successfully organized and managed 14 Chaitya Paripaty Yatras & Worked on Many Projects.
JAINA
JAINA Director since 2005. Served 8 Years in JAINA EC as Mid-Atlantic Regional VP, twice in 2011 & 2013, JAINA Secretary 2017-2019, and currently serving as JAINA First Vice President
Convener of 2021 JAINA Convention – 1st Virtual Global Convention. The highest ever attendees, 7,500 Devices Registered from 22 Countries. Estimated Profits $ 250,000, Highest profits ever of all 21 JAINA Conventions. Overall
A Very Successful, well-managed convention in an unprecedented pandemic time. Recruited 300+ volunteers from the USA & all over the world.
Served 6 years as Chairman of the JAINA Membership Committee. Expanded JAINA by making 11 new Jain Centres and with prospects of 9 more in the making.
Core Committee Member of JAINA Vaiyavach Committee and Sadharmik Bhakti Committee.
Attended most JAINA Conventions since 1999. Board and core committee Member 2017 & 2019 JAINA Conventions.
Mentoring local Jain college students since 2005 and involved them in temple activities.
Bringing students from the university campus to the Jain temple every weekend.
YJA: Actively supported and volunteered in, 2010 YJA convention Hosted by The Jain Sangh of NJ. Helped the youth with finding convention Location, Food, Transportation, Programming, Scholars, Registration, Souvenir, Logistics,
Hosting Meetings, and Security.
Volunteered at the 2014 Washington DC and the 2016 Los Angeles YJA Convention
Self Employed
Owned and operated Retail Businesses and successfully managed for over 34 years with an annual turnover of Millions.
Sustain India focused activities (Vaiyavaccha, Scholar exchange), Social/Cultural activities (SadharmicBhakti, JIF conferences, publications, emergency/calamities assistance) with appropriate oversight.
Experience
CONVENTION CONVENER 2023, Hosted one of the most memorable JAINA Convention. 26+ months of planning & leadership brought very memorable Convention experience. Received very positive feedback for the convention. Committees:
Lead Convention Board, Steering (leadership, Decisions), Fund-Raising (Personally raised 200+K), Sessions Planning, Facility, Temple, Decoration, Tirth Darshan, Food, Transportation, Cultural Program and more…
JAINA-Regional VP Southeast(2019-2021), Charting active engagement at regional & national levels during COVID crisis. Committees (Academic-liaison, Awards, Jain center liaison, Endowment & Planned Giving).