Kyle Carter ’02 had been coaching football at Jesuit High School for three years when he had an “aha moment”—August to November were his favorite months of the year.
Kyle loved being on campus and working alongside his former coaches and teachers. What if he spent all 12 months of the year at Jesuit High School instead of just four?
Soon after, Kyle accepted the position of Development Director, a role in which he is charged with implementing Jesuit’s annual giving efforts in support of the school’s broader philanthropic efforts—a role he has held since 2017. Kyle leads Jesuit’s Day of Giving, a one-day fundraising effort that engages students and alumni in friendly competition to raise money for financial aid, specific departments, and gifts of greatest need. This event provides Jesuit with the ability to respond quickly to emerging opportunities. In just three years, the event has grown tremendously in both dollars raised and community engagement.
Since graduating from Jesuit in 2002, Kyle stayed connected to the school in various roles. He participated in the Alumni Food Drive, volunteered on Encounters, assisted with alumni and fundraising events, and mentored young men as an assistant football coach, a position he still holds.
“Working at Jesuit has been a great fit right from the beginning,” said Kyle. “My quality of life has gone up tremendously knowing that I’m making a difference every day.”
Kyle’s love for Jesuit inspired his wife, Nikki, to also get involved with the school. She enjoys volunteering with Encounters. Kyle and Nikki have two children—Elise, 12, and McKinley, 11—who hope to be Crusaders some day, too. They would join a long tradition of Carters at Jesuit High School.
Kyle’s father, Bill ’69, was student body president, was named Alumnus of the Year in 1995, served three terms as a Board of Trustees member, was a stalwart member of the development committee for several years, and is a current member of the President’s Advisory Council.
Kyle’s mother, Gayle, was an Auction co-chair in the late ’90s and early 2000s. Courtney Carter ’00, Kyle’s sister, served as the first female student body president, was an original member of the National Alumni Board for four years, and was inducted into Jesuit’s Hall of Fame.
From birth, Kyle heard the motto of “Age Quod Agis,” and it helped inspire him and Nikki to become Legacy Club members.
“It’s a low-risk, high-impact way to give back to Jesuit High School,” Kyle said. “It’s important for my wife and me to carry on the Jesuit tradition and give back to the community that has supported us throughout the years.”
Kyle’s parents and sister are also members of the Legacy Club.
For more information about becoming a Legacy Club member, please contact Diane Salzman at 503-291-5497 or development@jesuitportland.org.