Detroit Mercy Law hires new director of alumni relations

University of Detroit Mercy School of Law welcomed April Ellison as the new director of alumni relations on Jan. 14. In this role, she will create a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy, expand the School’s annual giving program, and manage local and regional outreach through alumni programs and special events. Ellison will also support the work of the School’s alumni association and dean’s advisory board.

Ellison comes to Detroit Mercy Law with over 20 years of experience in nonprofit and higher education development, alumni relations and event planning. Previously, Ellison served as the associate director of development for Wayne State University’s Mike Ilitch School of Business, where she raised funds for student scholarships and managed relationships with corporate and individual partners. Before that, she implemented a fundraising strategy as the associate director of alumni engagement and development at Michigan State University College of Law.

She spent the first ten years of her career managing large-scale fundraising events for nonprofit organizations, including St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center, American Lung Association and Michigan Parkinson Foundation.

Ellison holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Wayne State University. An avid volunteer in the Detroit community, she serves on the board of directors of Girls Rock Detroit, an organization dedicated to fostering creative expression and positive self-esteem for girls and women through music education and performance.

She has also served as a case manager for the Wayne County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program and a volunteer for SafeHouse Center. She is a proud parent of an active middle schooler, Olivia, and enjoys live music, traveling and spending time with family, “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve the alumni and students of Detroit Mercy Law,” said Ellison. “Amazing things are happening in the city of Detroit, and Detroit Mercy Law has remained right in the heart of the city for over 100 years. Becoming a part of this prestigious educational institution, with its commitment to service, community and educating the complete lawyer, is truly an honor.”

April Ellison can be reached at ellisoal@ udmercy.edu.