Nicole Kangas is a major gift development officer. Though her position is based within the Office of Advancement, she helps to raise funds for the College of Education and Human Service Professions.
When did you start at UMD?
I started working at UMD in July 2013 as a development assistant. However, my journey as a Bulldog started years before that, when I was an undergraduate student.
What is your role?
I secure significant financial contributions by identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding alumni, parents, and friends of UMD. I act as a bridge between donor interests and university priorities, building long-term relationships to support college initiatives, research, and scholarships.
Why did you choose to work at UMD?
As a proud Bulldog alum, I was incredibly excited when an opportunity opened up at UMD that aligned with my interests and experience while also allowing me to work closely with fellow alumni and supporters of the university. UMD has always held a special place in my heart, so joining the team truly felt like coming home. Being able to give back to a community that shaped so much of my own experience makes the work especially meaningful to me.
What do you like most about your job?
I absolutely love working with our dedicated alumni and donors to help them feel connected to and inspired by UMD. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is connecting their passions and interests with meaningful opportunities on campus.
My favorite days are when I can bring donors together with faculty and students so they can see firsthand the impact of their generosity. The curiosity, enthusiasm, and brilliance our students and faculty bring to every conversation are incredibly inspiring to me. Knowing that my work helps create opportunities for current and future generations of students is deeply meaningful and brings me tremendous joy.
Do you have any advice for students?
As a first-generation college student, I often felt like I was navigating uncharted territory. I spent a lot of time working multiple part-time jobs and wasn’t always sure how I could afford opportunities like studying abroad or fully engaging in campus life.
My advice to students is to lean into all of the services, resources, and advising available on campus. Be curious, ask questions, step outside of your comfort zone, and embrace new challenges. College is an incredible time to learn not only academically, but also about yourself.
Take opportunities you may never have imagined for yourself — whether that means enrolling in an elective outside your major, joining a student organization, getting involved in RSOP, taking on a research project that feels intimidating, or absolutely studying abroad. Some of the most meaningful experiences come from the opportunities that initially seem the most daunting.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, my three children keep me very busy. You can usually find us at a motocross track most weekends, cheering on my two sons who race. I love spending time with my family and making memories together through the activities we enjoy.