Search for new U. fundraising head continues

The search for a new vice president of development and alumni relations continues -- and the University has not set a timeline for finding a replacement. Upon the departure of Virginia Clark in August 2002, the University launched a nationwide search for her replacement. "We are interviewing a number of candidates," University President Judith Rodin said. Medha Narvekar has filled the position for the past six months. Narvekar has worked at Penn in the Development and Alumni Relations Department for 17 years. So far, she said, filling the interim position has gone smoothly. "I am enjoying it," Narvekar said. "We have a great staff. In this department, we have a lot of momentum and a lot of good people here who are focused on alumni relations." "We are doing really well," Narvekar added. Associate Director of the Alumni Society Jason Horger said that Clark's departure was difficult, but Narvekar has completed the duties quite capably. "Medha has been terrific," Horger said. "Since she was part of the Senior Management Team, she was able to fill the role very well." According to Rodin, finding a qualified replacement is critical, as Penn will be embarking on a major fundraising campaign. "It's an extremely important division, particularly because we are gearing up in campaign mode," Rodin said. "Having somebody who really has the experience and the qualifications to lead what probably will be the largest campaign in higher education is a daunting task." Clark started working in Development and Alumni Relations in 1994. During her tenure, she raised $2.1 billion for the University, $900 million of which have come from efforts over the past five years to support the Agenda for Excellence, the 1996 Strategic Plan geared toward improvements in the University's academics, financial affairs and physical appearance. Narvekar noted that Clark's replacement will have to be well-qualified and capable of directing a major fundraising effort. "I think it would be terrific to have somebody who has been at a major research university in development and who has had some campaign experience," she said. Narvekar noted that despite filling in during the interim, she has not applied for the position. "I have not put my hat in the ring."

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.