Rick Jeric has returned to Columbus to serve as the senior director for major gifts at the Pontifical College Josephinum, the seminary announced last week.
Jeric, who previously worked in development and fundraising for the Diocese of Columbus and as executive director of the Women’s Care Center in Columbus, most recently served as the executive director of the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin. He began his new duties at the Josephinum, 7625 N. High St., on Oct. 17.
“I am delighted to welcome Mr. Jeric to the Josephinum staff,” said Father Steven Beseau, the rector and president of the seminary. “His deep and abiding Catholic faith, past experience as a nine-year member of the Josephinum’s Board of Trustees, and many decades of skilled fundraising experience will help to ensure the Josephinum’s continued excellence in the formation of holy, generous, adaptable, and resilient priests.”
As the senior major gifts officer, Jeric joins the Advancement Office, where he will work with Father Beseau and Doug Stein, vice president for advancement. Jeric will focus on major gift solicitations, capital and special campaign gifts, and estate giving.
“The timing of Mr. Jeric’s arrival at the Josephinum is nothing short of providential,” Stein said. “In mid-October, we will launch our Annual Fund, which this year has the most ambitious goal in our 134-year history – $1.8 million – designated for seminary operations and seminarian tuition assistance.
“I know Rick is eager to reconnect with many of the longtime connections he has made for the Josephinum over the years. He and I are looking forward to working together to support the mission of this exceptional seminary.”
He also wrote a column that ran in The Catholic Times for years before he left for Wisconsin.
“I have loved being a part of the Josephinum in a variety of ways for the past 20 years” he said. “I am so very happy and humbled to join the community in a new and supportive way that will help continue this great legacy of future priests for the people of God.”
Jeric and wife Theresa are the parents of three adult children.
