In an effort to bolster unprecedented fundraising success by Titan Athletics during the past three years, the University has appointed Dennis Carlesso as Director of Development for Athletics & Student Facilities.

Carlesso will serve in a newly created position for 2010-11, and he will work closely with Director of Athletics Keri Gaither and Senior Associate Athletic Director Daron Montgomery in identifying new relationships and prospects for Titan Athletics. In addition, Carlesso will serve as a lead for the capital campaign of the proposed Student Fitness Center.

"We believe that Athletics is one of the most attractive areas of interest for UDM donors, alumni, and external constituents," said Gaither. "We've created a tremendous sense of momentum during the past couple of years, with hosting the Final Four® along with a resurgence of Titan men's and women's basketball. I think Dennis can help us continue to do great things with Athletics fundraising."

Carlesso has been a member of the University's advancement team since May of 2009, when he began working as a Development Associate. In that role, he helped identify, locate and rekindle alums and lost friends of the University while creating and discovering mutually beneficial relationships.

Prior to his arrival at Detroit, he spent one year with the Evolve Marketing Group as a sales executive. He was also a real estate agent for 11 years working with Max Broock Realtors in Birmingham.

Carlesso has two degrees from UDM, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing in 1990 before earning his Masters in Business Administration in 1997.

He has been married to the former Julia Drouillard for 17 years and the couple has three children: Sebastian (11), Sophia (9) and Stefano (6).