Jim Bastis is the new vice president of Institutional Advancement. He came to Cabrini for various reasons. Bastis said, “I came to Cabrini because I believe in Catholic higher education, Cabrini’s community service requirement, the dedication and professionalism of the staff and the ideal size of the alumni and student body.” He added, “Not to mention the beautiful campus.”
Institutional Advancement at Cabrini is comprised of two parts. The first is the external communication between the college and the public, which is administered by Nancy Santos Gainer. The second part, involves alumni relations and fundraising, which includes special events, is directed by Bastis.
“Cabrini always asks for a gift or contribution to be made each year,” Bastis said. There is a long list of contributors to Cabrini that include alumni, parents of alumni or present students, faculty and staff, the local community, corporations and foundations trustees, churches and volunteers. Bastis explained, “We usually ask for a small contribution of $25 from the alumni, and the corporations and foundations usually give us large donations.” Bastis said, “These gifts enable the school to accomplish what it cannot do based on tuition alone. The Dixon Center was built and the school afforded because of the large sums received from corporations and foundations. The same can be said for the new library and science building coming in the future.”
Bastis worked as the director of The Benjamin School in Northern Palm Beach, Fla. There he led the school’s capital fund drives as well as community and alumni relations programs each year. Bastis started out in advertising and public relations, but when he became the director of communications for the Diocese of San Diego, he was offered an interim position in fundraising. Bastis said, “The position was great and because of my hard work I was able to continue this kind of work ever since.”
Bastis attended St. John’s University where he received a bachelor of science degree in communication arts. He also attended law school at St. John’s. He is a certified fundraising executive.
“Cabrini is impressive for being a small college. The faculty and administration have shown great professionalism whenever I meet or see them. I look forward to working hard and showing the same professionalism that was shown to me.”
