Contact Advancement
The University Advancement staff is happy to assist you with your questions. The Advancement division consists of several departments designed to better serve the University’s alumni, parents, and friends. If you do not know which department to contact, please use the information below.
4600 Sunset Avenue
Jordan Hall – Lower Level
Indianapolis, IN 46208
317-940-9469
gifts@butler.edu
Administration
Jonathan Purvis is a respected leader in higher education with over 25 years of experience. He joined Butler in 2018 as Vice President for University Advancement, and leadership for the University’s Marketing division was added in 2024.
At Butler, Purvis launched the public phase of Butler Beyond: The Campaign for Butler University which concluded on May 31, 2022 having surpassed its $250 million goal with $262 million raised. The campaign supported key strategic priorities such as the construction of Bill and Joanne Dugan Hall, the completion of Levinson Family Hall and the Sciences Expansion and Renovation project, enhancements to Hinkle Fieldhouse, the launch of Butler Ventures, and raising $150 million in gifts and commitments to grow the endowment and provide for the University’s future financial security through documented estate intentions.
Prior to arriving at Butler, Purvis served for 20 years at Indiana University in a variety of leadership roles that existed at the intersection of fundraising, marketing, and alumni relations. These include serving as Vice President for Development and Regional Campuses, Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations for the Indiana University School of Education, and Executive Director of Special Gifts and Annual Giving Programs.
Purvis holds the Certified Fund Raising Executive credential (CFRE) and has taught a variety of fundraising courses. He is a frequent presenter and a contributing author to the third edition of the acclaimed Achieving Excellence in Fundraising. He holds a BA in English and Master of Public Affairs, both from Indiana University.
Betsy Weatherly has served at the University since 2011, most recently assuming the role of Associate Vice President for University Advancement. She is responsible for driving the fundraising strategy for major gift pipeline development and ensuring all critical functions of Advancement are optimally aligned to execute that strategy.
At Butler, she has served in annual giving, donor relations, and campaigns. Most recently, she oversaw the University’s comprehensive campaign, Butler Beyond, which exceeded the goal of $250 million, raising $263 million. Weatherly also led the $19 million Campaign for Hinkle Fieldhouse in 2011, which exceeded that campaign’s initial $16 million goal. Weatherly also served on the Higher Learning Commission Work Group for Butler’s most recent accreditation.
Weatherly earned her bachelor’s degree in public relations and communications from Indiana State University and a master’s in executive development for public service from Ball State University.
Advancement Services
Community Engagement
Annual Giving
Office of Development
Thomas Benoist is an Indianapolis-based fundraiser serving as Associate Director of Development for the College of Education at Butler University since 2023. His experience in fundraising includes individual giving strategy, stewarding corporate sponsorships, peer-to-peer fundraising, annual fund management, and major gifts cultivation. Thomas strives to provide exceptional philanthropic experiences for all donors, prioritizing their charitable passions.
Thomas holds a BA in Theatre from Butler University and a Master of Public Affairs with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from Indiana University. Additionally, Thomas became a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) in 2023.
Foundation Relations
Advancement Operations
