By Tami S. Scott
Editor
The Diocese of Syracuse Catholic Schools Office recently welcomed Meredith Page as its first director of development, a new role created to strengthen and expand advancement efforts across diocesan schools. Working closely with principals, pastors, and school communities, Page will focus on building on past successes, advancing sustainable strategies, and deepening donor engagement.
Page brings to the position a blend of executive leadership in the corporate sector and nonprofit advancement experience. She is also pursuing a master’s degree in Strategic Communication, which she said will further sharpen her skills in messaging and stakeholder engagement.
As part of our introduction to new school leaders, The Catholic Sun invited Page to participate in a Q&A to share more about her background and passion for Catholic education.
CS: What excites you most about serving in development for Catholic schools?
MP: What interests me most is the opportunity to help strengthen our schools so they can continue forming students in faith and excellence. Each school has its own unique character, and I look forward to learning about its strengths and helping them be highlighted.
CS: How do you hope to connect with parents, alumni, and parishioners in your new role?
MP: In the early months, my focus will be on listening and learning from school leadership to understand each community’s strengths, challenges, and goals. From there, I’ll work on establishing consistent processes that support communication and engagement across schools. Building on that foundation, I hope to connect with parents, alumni, and parishioners by sharing their schools’ stories, celebrating successes, and creating opportunities for them to be more involved in sustaining Catholic education.
CS: What do you see as the greatest strengths of our Catholic schools?
MP: The greatest strengths of our Catholic schools are their faith-centered mission and the strong sense of community they foster. The combination of faith, academics, and values, lived out in community, is what sets our schools apart and makes them a blessing to the families and parishes we serve.
CS: What’s one thing you’d like the Catholic school community and overall Diocese to know about you as you begin this new chapter?
MP: I don’t come with a one-size-fits-all plan; my goal is to learn what makes each school unique and, through partnership with the school leaders, parents, and parishes, build trust, foster relationships, and advance the sustainable growth of Catholic education across the Diocese.
CS: How can the Catholic community best support you and the mission of Catholic schools?
MP: The best way the community can support me and our schools is by being engaged and open to partnership. Whether through prayer, volunteerism, financial support, or simply sharing the good news about Catholic education, every contribution makes a difference.
CS: How do you see your role contributing to the evangelizing mission of Catholic education?
MP: Development is a form of evangelization; it communicates the mission of our schools in ways that inspire others to invest in their future. By sharing the stories of our students, highlighting the values that shape them, and inviting broader participation, we extend the reach and impact of Catholic education.
