Virginia
Clark to Smithsonian
Virginia
Clark, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, has
accepted a position as Director of External Affairs at the Smithsonian
Institution. She will assume her new position this summer.
President
Rodin said, "This is a true loss to the University, but it is
a wonderful opportunity for Ginny. In her new role, she will oversee
all fundraising activities at the Smithsonian, one of our nation's
cultural treasures and the world's largest museum and research
complex."
"Penn
has benefited tremendously from Ginny's abilities over the past
eight years. As vice president for Development and Alumni Relations,
Ginny oversaw efforts that have raised $2.1 billion for Penn,
with $900 million of that total coming in the last five years
to support
The Agenda for Excellence. That support has
enabled us to improve financial aid, endow more than 50 faculty
chairs, build new research facilities and rejuvenate the historic
heart of the campus. She has also worked tirelessly to improve
Penn's communications with its alumni, with a special emphasis
on the younger generation and promoting diversity," added Dr.
Rodin.
Ms.
Clark had previously served as the Wharton School's associate
dean for external affairs, where she raised the School's public
profile and reputation. During her tenure in that position, annual
giving to the school also increased four-fold. Prior to that,
she worked in what was then the Publications Office, where she
oversaw a complete overhaul of Penn's undergraduate recruiting
materials.
A national
search will be conducted for Ms. Clark's successor.