Trinity International University is pleased to announce that David Magnuson, MBA, returned to Trinity as Vice President of Advancement and University Relations, starting on February 27.
Magnuson comes to Trinity with thirty-five years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, and strategic giving. Previously he worked as the Associate Vice President of Strategic Gifts at Christian Union and has held chief development officer roles at Presbyterian Homes and The Salvation Army in Chicago. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business from Bethel University in 1983 and an MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management in 1992.
“I am thrilled that after these many years Dave Magnuson is returning to Trinity,” said TIU President Nicholas Perrin. “No one bleeds our institution’s colors more than Dave. No one has more experience with the networks and constituents that have historically taken our mission to the next level.”
Magnuson worked at Trinity from 1985 through 1999, as the President of the Trinity International University Foundation in which he oversaw the creation of the foundation and managed the capital campaign for Trinity’s 100th anniversary.
“I have always been passionate about the role that the church and Christian institutions of higher education play in spiritual formation and worldview development,” said Magnuson. “Trinity has a long history of developing leaders who view the world and their role in it, through the lens of scripture. I had the privilege of serving at Trinity for 15 years in the ‘80s and ‘90s, and I am honored to have the opportunity to be a part of that process again!”
Magnuson and his family also have a deep love for Trinity. “My family has a long history with Trinity going back more than 70 years when my father-in-law attended and three of my four children attended Trinity College,” said Magnuson.
Magnuson and his wife Caryn have four adult children: Trent (Psychology ‘08), Caleb, Nathan (History ‘16), and Grace (Business ‘19) and three grandchildren. Magnuson grew up in Minnesota, but has resided in Gurnee, Illinois, the last 30 years. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends, is an avid reader particularly of history and theology, and is a member of Northbridge Church. He has also been active as a board member with several international social service ministries.
Magnuson will be taking over from Dwight Gibson, who faithfully served as Interim Vice President of Advancement for the past three years.
“I pray that our team will, first of all, represent Jesus well in everything we do,” said Magnuson. Regarding Trinity’s many faithful donors he shared that his commitment “is for our team to communicate well and find ways for our partners to engage in the work and life of Trinity in new and meaningful ways. Ultimately, I hope that God will use us to bring in resources "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think..." (Eph. 3:20-21).”