From rockstar to fund-raiser, Quinn Rainwater has led a very interesting life.
Rainwater, director of development for the Manship School of Mass Communication, received the Brother Donnan Berry Award Jan. 14 for outstanding dedication to the ideals of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
“I was totally surprised to receive the award,” Rainwater said.
Brother Donnan founded the Greater Baton Rouge Chapter of the Association for Fundraising Professionals in 1989 while serving as principle of Catholic High School in Baton Rouge. Others recognized him for his extreme dedication to both its ideals and members.
“I just tried to follow in his footsteps,” said Rainwater.
The award was named after Berry in honor of the chapter’s dedicated founder. It began five years ago as an annual award.
Rainwater graduated LSU in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Prior to becoming director of development in May 1995, Rainwater worked in public television for 14 years. He also has worked for the Arthritis Foundation Board and different area churches.
“I love seeing people happy,” Rainwater said. “It’s one of the perks.”
Rainwater served as the third president of AFP, in addition to vice-president of membership, and has held the position of treasurer for the past two years.
“AFP ties people together with organizations that can help them do what they want to do,” said Rainwater. “It’s a Santa Claus job. You get to help other nice people do nice things for the community.”
Rainwater’s colleagues in the Manship School are excited he is gaining recognition.
“He’s very intelligent, friendly and always takes a moment to chat with students and professors,” said student worker Anne St. Romain, a history junior.
After Rainwater finishes all of his work responsibilities, he relaxes by performing with his rock band. Rainwater joined The Boomers in 1996, by request of fellow band member Dicky Harris. In 2001, Harris retired, passing the responsibility to Rainwater and new member Randy Borne. The Boomers, a five-piece band, joined with Sole Crackers to form an eight-piece band in January 2002. Both bands play four or five times a month. The Boomers specialize in classic rock from 1950s through 1990s, while the Sole Crackers focus on jitterbug and swamp pop funk.
Though the first thought that comes to everyone’s mind when speaking of Rainwater is a rockstar, he is highly respected in his field.
“There are two sides to Quinn,” said Helen Taylor, academic counselor for the Manship School. “He is very funny but a very good professional; when you put it altogether, he is an awesome person.”