Joe Plante '86

Since 1987, I have had the privilege to be a part of the Institutional Advancement staff at the University of St. Thomas. I began my service with the Alumni Association, where, for seven years, I facilitated alumni programs in the Twin Cities and around the country. In 1995, I moved into the Development Office, joining the Major Gifts fundraising team. I currently serve as associate vice president of principal and leadership gifts. I also have the privilege of working with a broad set of UST benefactors locally and throughout the United States.

As a proud alumnus with a 27-plus-year career at St. Thomas, I enjoy sharing stories with our alumni and friends, recalling the wonderful people and experiences that have defined St. Thomas. I also enjoy assisting our generous benefactors, helping them to find those giving options that are most meaningful to them, whether through a memorial or honor program, a named endowed scholarship, or a world of other options. I have broad experience with a wide range of giving vehicles, including stock, mutual fund transfers, estates, gift annuities and trusts, and other planned/deferred gift options.

I’m an avid gardener and enjoy local and rail transportation history, bicycling, camping, international travel, classical music, and spending time with my large immediate family. I currently volunteer with the Minnesota Streetcar Museum and Basilica of St. Mary. In college, my activities included Liturgical Choir, intramurals, Campus Ministry, and serving as a youth retreat facilitator.

I graduated from the University of St. Thomas with degrees in finance and theology in 1986, and from the University of Notre Dame with a master’s degree in communications.