Alumni Staff
Helpful personnel that bring graduates together and support one another.
Helpful personnel that bring graduates together and support one another.
Matt Rheinecker, PhD
734-432-5762
mrheinecker@madonna.edu
I’ve been with Madonna University since January of 2020. I grew up in Toledo, was born in Saginaw and attended Siena Heights University. My wife and I live in West Bloomfield with our toddlers Pierson and Kennedy.
I look forward to connecting with the many alumni and friends that Madonna University is fortunate to have as supporters. Your support allows us to continue to carry out the mission of the Felician Sisters and educate our students.
Karen Sanborn
734-432-5843
ksanborn@madonna.edu
I was blessed to join the Madonna University family in 2006. I grew up in Hudson, Mich., graduated from Michigan State University, and worked for 18 years at Ameritech. Kurt and I have five adult children – three are proud Madonna alumni – and six grandchildren. I completed my Madonna master’s degree in business leadership in 2022.
I love the Felician Sisters, and thoroughly enjoy my work, because I get to meet with and tell the stories of Madonna students, alumni, faculty, and staff.
Katie Alexander
734-432-5837
ksalexander@madonna.edu
I have been the Director of Special Events since 2015. I was born and raised in Saginaw and earned my undergraduate degree from James Madison College at Michigan State University and my event certificate from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. I am a certified meeting professional (CMP) since 2013 and the designation is internationally recognized as the badge of excellence in the events industry.
I have more than 17 years of experience in the events industry, and over 12 of those have been in higher education development.
In 2014 and 2021, I was the recipient of the CASE Circle of Excellence gold and silver awards in the “special event single day” and “events on a shoestring” categories. Our team produces events that encourage a relationship with Madonna and celebrate the milestones and achievements of our alumni and donors.
I live in metro Detroit with my husband and toddler.
Tom Laabs '01
734-432-5838
tlaabs@madonna.edu
I am the Assistant Director of Development. I have had the honor of working at Madonna University for over 30 years. My wife Kathy and son Logan both graduated from Madonna and my daughter Ashley attended Adrian College.
Among my many interests I enjoy celebrating Halloween, tailgating, gardening, and woodworking just to name a few. Madonna is not just a place to me, it’s home.
GO CRUSADERS!
Anne Merrill
734-432-5741
amerrill@madonna.edu
I’ve been with the Advancement Department at Madonna University for over 30 years, and I’m also a Madonna graduate. I was born and raised right here in Livonia. My husband and I have two sons, our oldest is a graduate of Madonna, and our youngest is a current student. I’ve found being part of the Madonna family a true privilege, and look forward to continuing to assist our many alumni and friends that Madonna is so fortunate to have supporting us in carrying out our mission of the Felician Sisters.
JoAnne Chapman
734-432-5589
jmchapman@madonna.edu
I was born in Cleveland, Ohio and raised in Livonia. I have worked in the Advancement Department at Madonna University since 1999. I currently live in Lincoln Park with my husband and min pin dog.
I love working for Madonna University and the community it serves.
Linda Hall
734-432-5603
lhall@madonna.edu
I have been with Madonna, in the Advancement Department, for 20+ years. Born in Chicago, I grew up in the Dearborn area and graduated from Henry Ford College. I live in Plymouth and am the proud grandma of three grandchildren.
Kathryn Koehler, J.D.
734-432-5788
kkoehler@madonna.edu
Since joining the Office of Advancement in 2022, I have enjoyed working with Madonna’s alumni and supporters, including the Felician Sisters. I love collaborating with staff and faculty on a wide array of interesting projects that promote Madonna’s mission and Franciscan values.
My previous experience includes working in legal education, communications, public relations, alumni relations, and annual giving.
Alan Tolcher
734-432-5737
atolcher@madonna.edu
I have been with Madonna University since September of 2022 and have loved discovering what makes Madonna such a special place…the people. It’s wonderful to see staff and faculty who believe in the values and mission.
I spent the first 12 years of my life in the Chicago suburbs and moved to Flushing, Mich. to be close to my grandparents. I attended Central Michigan University for a year to pursue a degree in trumpet performance. Having found that it was more of a passion than a profession, I transferred to Oakland University where I earned a bachelor’s degree in business. I have served as a gift planning specialist and a senior major gift officer The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division, and as a senior major gift officer at Wayne State University's School of Medicine.
I live in Livonia and attend The Salvation Army church where I play trumpet in their brass band.
It is a blessing to be able to assist people in establishing legacies here at Madonna.
