Finding a Future in Philanthropy
Finding a Future in Philanthropy
For the past seven years, Adam Haselhuhn has led fundraising efforts for cancer care as senior director of development at UnityPoint Health Des Moines.
So it’s fitting that this past summer, he graduated with his master’s degree in philanthropy and nonprofit development from UNI.
“I decided it was time to get a master’s degree in order to take the next step in my career,” Haselhuhn explains. “I knew that someday down the line, if I wanted to lead a department or organization, it would be beneficial to have that degree and the experience.”
His time in the program has been nothing short of impactful. He especially appreciates the opportunity to earn a degree from UNI online, while still being “in person” over Zoom.
“I’ve found the majority of the coursework to be incredibly practical and relatable to real life,” Haselhuhn says. “I also was able to choose my own research area, which I’ll be able to utilize at work. Long term, having a master’s degree will open more doors and ensure I can have the career success I want to achieve.”
Haselhuhn chose UNI for his advanced studies because of how much he enjoyed his undergraduate years at the university, when he studied political science and communications. He initially picked UNI because it was “just right” in size.
“I wanted the big school experience, but the personalized education of a small college,” he says.
As an undergrad, Haselhuhn served as student body president, a role that helped him develop many of the professional skills he still uses today. Being part of Greek Life in Sigma Phi Epsilon introduced him to many of his closest friends, and he even had the chance to meet the Dalai Lama and First Lady Michelle Obama when they visited campus.
“I have so many staff, faculty and administrators that were so influential in my college experience — and many that I keep in touch with to this day,” Haselhuhn says. “In my ‘extra’ year of undergrad, I worked as the coordinator of the College Hill Partnership, which gave me real-world experience working with business leaders, university officials, government officials and the community to develop the College Hill neighborhood.”
I’ve found the majority of the coursework to be incredibly practical and relatable to real life. I also was able to choose my own research area, which I’ll be able to utilize at work. Long term, having a master’s degree will open more doors and ensure I can have the career success I want to achieve.
Exploring philanthropy
After graduation, Haselhuhn wasn’t sure what career path to take. At the encouragement of mentors at UNI, he explored the world of philanthropy. His first job was at Simpson College as part of the annual giving team. He later joined Central College, where he served as director of annual giving and stayed for five years, eventually becoming director of development.
Haselhuhn feels grateful that this is the field he landed in.
“I didn’t even realize that philanthropy and fundraising for nonprofits was a career path,” he explains. “I love having the opportunity to build genuine relationships with people to help them make a difference in their community.”
Some of the highlights of his career are recent ones. This past year, Haselhuhn met Al Roker from NBC’s “Today Show,” who was the keynote speaker at Rally Against Cancer — the annual fundraising gala he oversees. Another milestone: being named a 40 Under 40 winner by the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy in 2023.
All these experiences have led to where Haselhuhn is now — at UnityPoint Health, making a meaningful impact on the lives of Iowans every single day through his work. With his master’s degree, he’ll be even better equipped to lead change.
“Wherever the future leads, I know I’ll be prepared thanks to my two UNI degrees,” he says.
