Growing up in Somerset County, N.J., Catherine Donne ’09 excelled at mathematics. The aptitude — along with some good advice from mathematics professor Ken Valente — led her to a major in mathematical economics at Colgate (with a minor in philosophy, of course).
After graduating in 2009, she wanted to live in New York City, so she took an internship in marketing at Morgan Stanley, and it turned into a full-time position. Now a senior vice president and head of institutional marketing for North America at Neuberger Berman, Catherine is interested in helping the next generation of young Colgate women.
Alumni Council veteran Mari Jones ’09, Catherine’s former roommate, told Catherine about the WLC. Realizing the WLC’s impact on the University, Catherine joined last spring. She considers the WLC a valuable investment and encourages other Colgate women to invest in it as well.
“I am excited by the mission of the WLC and the chance to help Colgate raise funds for important causes like the Colgate Commitment. For Colgate to make itself accessible to so many students and change the narrative about who can go to an elite liberal arts college — that is a great return on investment.”
On March 13, Catherine is hosting a Women in Finance event in New York City. “We all know Colgate alumnae are passionate about Colgate and love the opportunity to meet each other,” she says. “If I can do that with women who work in the same industry, why not make those connections?”
Catherine also looks for ways to engage with current students. She was on campus this January as a panelist for SophoMORE Connections — an opportunity to connect sophomore students with alumni across multiple industries.
“I am in a position in my life and career where I can mentor younger women,” Catherine says. “I can offer skills and experience that might benefit someone else, and joining the WLC is part of that.”