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 April 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 over 10 years of experience working in advancement events, starting my higher education career in the Office of University Development at the University of Michigan, and have over 15 years overall in the events industry.
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. I produce events that encourage a relationship with Madonna and celebrate the milestones and achievements of 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 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 interest 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 a grandma of three.
Kathi Koehler
734-432-5788
I joined the Office of Advancement in 2022 and am enjoying getting to know 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.
I was born in New Jersey and moved to Cincinnati, Ohio as a teen. After graduating with a B.A. in Economics from Xavier University and a J.D. from Case Western Reserve University, I clerked for a federal judge and then followed my interest in communications into legal publishing and journalism. After moving to Michigan, I worked at two law schools in the areas of external affairs and alumni relations. I later became involved in advancement at a Catholic school and, most recently, worked in communications at another area parish.
I live in Canton with my husband, teenage daughter and two cats. When I’m not working I enjoy hiking, baking, genealogy, spending time with family and volunteering at my church.
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 that really believe in the values and mission.
I spent the first 12 years of my life in the Chicago suburbs and moved to Flushing, MI to be close to my grandparents. I went to 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 completed my bachelor’s degree in Business. Following graduation, I became a gift planning specialist for The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division and assisted those who wished to include The Salvation Army and their other favorite charities in the estate plans. After eight years, I accepted a position at Wayne State University School of Medicine as a Senior Major Gift Officer.
I live in Livonia with my wife and three children. I still love playing my trumpet and trying to stay active when time allows. I also attend The Salvation Army church, where I play in their brass band.
It is a blessing to be able to assist people in establishing legacies for the places that they love. I’m very grateful to be doing that here at Madonna.
