Grace Fiorenza Hermes

Senior Director of Development
409-960-9727
gfiorenza@lsufoundation.org

Grace Hermes began her career at the LSU Foundation in June of 2017 when she was hired to help pilot the LSU Foundation’s first iteration of a mid-level officer program. Grace now serves as a senior director of development and is passionate about her work that helps to open doors for students to come to, and stay at, LSU. In her current role, she loves the fact that she gets to serve donors in Austin, Tx. and surrounding area – her home state!

MY LSU

Why did you choose to build a career with the LSU Foundation?
As a student who did not attend LSU due to financial barriers, I’m very proud to have a career in which I get to play a part in removing the same barriers that I had for students who deserve to be here, especially those from out of state!

What does a typical day look like for you?
Whether it’s planning my next trip to Austin or New Orleans, making sure my donors stay up-to-date, responding to their needs, or shipping out LSU happy mail, I’m always busy and every day looks different!

Tell us about your favorite work win or moment when you truly felt the impact of your work.
One of my favorite work moments each year is reading student reflections on our scholarship impact reports. Hearing directly from recipients about how these funds helped them study abroad, stay in school, or chase a dream always moves me. Their words always serve as a reminder of how special this work is and what an honor it is to help remove barriers and create life-changing opportunities. 

Where is your favorite place on campus?
I may be biased, but I love the Journalism Building. I love the history behind it and the prime location at the top of victory hill, which is walking distance to the Quad and Mike the Tiger. I love that my office is located here!