We are pleased to feature Manny Nungaray as our alum of the month. Manny earned both his bachelor of science (2002) and master of business administration (2005) degrees from NDNU, where he also  launched his career as a highly respected professional fundraiser. During his 16-year tenure at NDNU, Manny served in a variety of increasingly responsible positions within the University’s Advancement Office, including Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Executive Director of Development and Executive Director of Major and Planned Gifts. 

After leaving NDNU, Manny moved over to San Francisco State University where he worked in university development for nearly six years as Senior Director of Development, College of Business and Executive Director of Development and Campaign Operations. He is currently Chief Development Officer for the YMCA of the East Bay, on the board of directors for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, which he will chair beginning this summer, and also serves on the NDNU Board of Trustees.

Manny grew up in Southern California, the oldest of three children. He describes his early years as being the ears and voice of his parents, both of whom are deaf mutes. “I grew up with a deep sense of responsibility for my parents,” says Manny. “American Sign Language was my first language so I could communicate with them.” Manny is a first-generation college graduate and the second person in his family to attend college.

Please tell us about your college experiences. What was it about NDNU that attracted you as a student?

I was a strong student and fortunate that my high school teachers and guidance counselors believed in me and encouraged me to continue my education … but away from home. They felt this step would ultimately improve everyone’s life and make us all more independent. This was a difficult decision for me as I had been taking care of my parents since I was a little boy.

Making the decision to attend NDNU (then known as the College of Notre Dame) wasn’t a difficult one. I had already made friends by attending the week-long Spring Fling at the college and had fallen in love with the community and the beauty of the campus. The harder parts were coming up with tuition and getting from Southern California to the Bay Area. I will be forever grateful to one of my high school teachers who drove me door-to-door all the way to campus.

My first semester was challenging, but my parents always supported me and my decision to get a college education. When I started coming into my own and questioning my sexual orientation that first year, the community could not have been more supportive. I was given many opportunities to be in leadership positions, among them serving as Peer Program Coordinator for the LGBTQ NDNU community.

I loved my classes and discovered early that while I had always expected to graduate and be an accountant, sitting at a desk and crunching numbers all day was not for me. The faculty was outstanding, especially Ted Stotlar, Ted Ellis, Dr. Roger Goodson, and Sister Mary Laxague, to name a few. I really came into my own at NDNU; my experiences helped me become who I am today.

What led you to pursue a career in nonprofit management and fundraising?

During my senior year, while I was working at Kinko’s, Tony Macias, a former VP for Development, stopped by to make some copies. We got to talking and he told me about a database administrator position available in the University’s Advancement Office. A week later, I started what turned out to be a 16-year association with the University.

I was so fortunate and grateful that my NDNU supervisors saw my potential and kept giving me opportunities for growth and promotion. I hate being bored and was always hungry for work so I got to experience all facets of a well-run Development shop, which has really helped me on my career path. Eventually, I oversaw the department that I entered as an entry-level employee.

At NDNU, and later at the San Francisco State University, I was able to be creative and bring my marketing lens to the business of raising funds for academic institutions. I have always operated under two core beliefs: to be the best version of myself and to take care of myself so I can take care of others. While I didn’t formally study to be a fundraiser, my background, personality and values lent itself to this career path, along with a deep-seated desire to give back to others and the community.

How are you still engaged at NDNU?

Counting my service on the Board of Trustees, I have been connected with NDNU for over 25 years now. From my undergraduate degree to my master’s and working here for more than a decade, this place and university will always hold a special place in my heart.  Currently, I maintain my engagement by participating on NDNU’s Board of Trustees and chairing the Trusteeship and Governance (TAG) Committee. Our committee is charged with overseeing volunteer participation with the University at the Board level. Among many things, TAG’s goals are to bring exceptional talent to the University for service, and to encourage thoughtful and deliberate action from volunteers.

Aside from being on the Board, I also attend as many events at NDNU as possible.  I had a great time at Sr. Roseanne’s 90^th Birthday celebration last September, and I’m looking forward to our next get together.

What are some reasons why someone might be inspired to support NDNU?

Historically speaking, NDNU has consistently been a place that promotes access to education and diversity. It’s not just in our Hallmarks, but in the DNA of every teacher and class taught here. From the Sisters to the professors to the students, the community here is unbelievably supportive. We have a long history of providing exemplary academic programs, and in our current configuration, have been able to look at the marketplace, respond nimbly and grow with the times. I hope that people, especially fellow alumni, will consider joining me in supporting this worthy institution.

What do you like to do for fun?

Although I love my job and the work that I do at YMCA of the East Bay, I do schedule time for myself and my husband Shawn with whom I’ve been with for 22 years. We both enjoy traveling extensively, so every year we plan at least one international trip.  This Spring, we will be visiting New Zealand and Fiji.  Additionally, I am an avid cook and love getting together with friends to host 10-course meals for one another. During the pandemic, I had a bit more time on my hands, so I started documenting my culinary creations on Instagram, which has brought me a great deal of joy.