Richard Fitzgerald

Biography

The Assistant Dean for External Affairs oversees fundraising and alumni relations activities on behalf of the School of Design. As an integral member of the Dean's core planning team, the Assistant Dean works closely with the Dean and members of the faculty, as well as the board of Overseers, alumni, and various volunteer groups, promoting their active involvement in the fundraising process, and orchestrating the use of their time and talent to advance the School's quest for gift support. The Assistant Dean develops appropriate courses of action for pursuing major gift opportunities and engages the Dean and others in executing the required cultivation and solicitation initiatives. The development office oversees all communications, events, and activities that directly involve alumni, Overseers, donors and prospective donors to the School.

The Assistant Dean is responsible for conceptualizing, planning and executing a coordinated program of fundraising including supervision of alumni affairs, annual giving, and capital development programs, within the context of the University's "Making History" campaign and any subsequent development initiatives. PennDesign's development office collaborates with the University's central development organization, drawing on its support services, and integrating the School's initiatives with the University's overall fundraising design.