Campus & Community / News

Chancellor modifies senior advancement leadership

Staff changes are occurring in University Advancement that are designed to further strengthen DU’s fundraising efforts as ASCEND: The Campaign for the University of Denver continues.

Chancellor Robert Coombe announced today that Ed Harris, vice chancellor of University Advancement, is moving into the newly created position of chief development officer and special assistant to the chancellor. Associate Vice Chancellor Scott Lumpkin (BS ’79, MBA ’88) is moving into the vice chancellor role.

“Ed is extraordinarily talented at fundraising and establishing new relationships for DU with individuals across the country, but it’s difficult for him to do that job and also handle the many operational responsibilities of running the division,” Coombe says. “This position will allow him to continue the success we’ve already achieved with the ASCEND campaign.

Harris, who came to DU in 2006, will also lead the fundraising effort for the Knoebel Center for the Study of Aging.

Lumpkin began his career at DU in 1979 as assistant dean of admissions. He moved to University Advancement in 1983 and became associate vice chancellor in 1992. Two of his children attended DU and another is currently enrolled.

As vice chancellor, Lumpkin will lead University Advancement and shepherd its many relationships with people and organizations both internal and external to the University.

In late October, the chancellor announced the public phase of the ASCEND campaign, which will run through the University’s 150th anniversary in 2014. Approximately $250 million was raised during the quiet phase that began in 2007, and nearly $15 million has been added since the campaign was announced in the fall.

“The transition in advancement is also part of a larger strategy that will broaden the scope of the organization to include a sharper focus on our annual giving program, which will live on long after the campaign ends,” Coombe says. “Sustained annual giving by alumni and other friends of DU is essential to meeting the needs of the University in the future.”

Gifts to DU during the campaign will be used to provide additional financial aid for undergraduate and graduate students; support faculty chairs and professorships as well as research and scholarship; enhance the visual and performing arts; and allow for important improvements and additions to DU facilities.

The Knoebel Center will expand DU’s role in interdisciplinary research on aging and aging-related conditions. A gift of $17.5 million from Betty Knoebel, widow of Denver food services pioneer Ferdinand “Fritz” Knoebel, funded development of the new program. The gift also was used to support DU’s School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management, which was recently renamed the Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management.

Tags: ,

2 Comments

Leave a Reply to Dr. Hallie Ward Cancel

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*