Matt Durkan began his new role for Valley College last December.
By Jasmine Alejandre, Staff Writer
From lending a hand, to becoming a leader, Matt Durkan takes on the role of Executive Director of the Valley College Foundation.
Durkan officially began working at Valley in December. He attended the University of Seattle, where he earned his bachelor's degree. Before finding his way to campus, Durkan worked at College of the Desert in Coachella Valley where he was the director of development for their foundation. With not many opportunities to advance his career in the Coachella Valley, which consisted of about 250-300 thousand people at the time, Durkan applied in other areas and thus began his journey with Valley. The foundation director’s love for working in higher education stems from the students, who inspire him.
“The challenges are always changing, but the goal is always the same — to support students and make sure that we meet their needs to complete their education and be successful,” said Durkan.
The mission of the foundation is to help support students achieve their goals and continue their education. Anything that can be done to make that experience easier is part of Durkan’s job. Whether it be securing private donations for scholarships, programs or grants, the new director works to secure funds for students every day. His goal is to find new ways to fundraise and to encourage people to donate not just once, but regularly.
When asked what inspired him to follow this career path, the Seattle native said it is important to have a career that is fulfilling, rather than just having a good salary. In his younger years, Durkan had administrative jobs that did not feel as meaningful. He got into non-profit fundraising by volunteering at an AIDS organization and was delivering food to home-bound AIDS patients. What began as a way to make friends and connect with the community, led him to find his passion in helping others. From that point forward he worked for nonprofits and helped people that needed support.
“It's kind of ironic because the first volunteer job I ever did at a nonprofit was delivering food, and here I am now, 20 years later and one of my main priorities is setting up the food pantry,” said Durkan. “It really is a full circle moment.”
Durkan takes on the role that Raul Castillo had until his passing. Castillo, 54, died of cancer last May. He helped raise close to $10 million in funds for student scholarships. Although the two never met, Durkan knew about Castillo and how he served as the foundation’s director for over twenty years — he knows he has big shoes to fill.
“He set up so many great relationships that the goodwill continues to exist in this community is there because of him,” said Durkan. “I hope to be able to not just capitalize on the goodwill, but to get to know as many people as I can to let them know that Valley is still here and we still need your support.”
Durkan stated he is happy in his new position and welcomes students to his office to introduce themselves.