The Hastings College Foundation Board of Directors has named Hauli (Smedra) Sabatka, a 1996 Hastings College graduate, as executive director of the Hastings College Foundation. She’ll begin her new role on campus in mid-September.
In this role, Sabatka will oversee fundraising, advancement and alumni engagement.
“Hauli brings a remarkable combination of passion for Hastings College, proven leadership and a deep commitment to this community. As an alumna who also served the College as an employee for nearly two decades, she understands its traditions and aspirations, and the Foundation search committee is confident she will inspire alumni, donors and friends to invest in the College’s future,” said Danette (Wilson) Andley ’01, chair of the Hastings College Foundation Board.
Since 2016, Sabatka has served as executive director of the Hastings Catholic Schools Foundation, where she led a successful $13.1 million campaign to renovate St. Cecilia High School and create an endowed fund for teachers’ salaries.
Prior to that, she spent 18 years at the Hastings College Foundation directing alumni engagement and campus events. As a graduating senior in 1996, she received the Bronco Award, the College’s highest non-academic honor for students, recognizing her exceptional leadership and contributions to campus life.
“Hastings College has shaped my life in so many ways, and I’m honored to return to serve this outstanding institution. I look forward to partnering with our graduates, supporters and the broader community to build on the College’s momentum while expanding opportunities for current and future students,” Sabatka said.
A former chair of the eight-state District VI of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, she received the district’s 2022 Distinguished Service Award. In 2025, YWCA Adams County honored her with the Gretchen Hollman Lainson Award for community service.
She and her spouse, Bill Sabatka, a 1991 Hastings College graduate, are the parents of three grown children, Anthony, Ryann and Andrej.
Sabatka succeeds Chelsea LeMar, executive director of the Foundation from 2023 to May 2026