New VP for Institutional Advancement Announced at Harrisburg University of Science and Technnology

PRLog (Press Release) - Nov 23, 2009 -
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology President Mel Schiavelli today named Kevin J. McNamara as Vice President for Institutional Advancement effective Dec. 1, 2009.

As a member of the University’s senior management team, Mr. McNamara will be responsible for leading all units within University advancement:  development, alumni relations, communications, annual giving, and corporate and foundation relations.

Mr. McNamara comes to Harrisburg from Philadelphia, where he served as Assistant Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Drexel University.  He also serves as a Trustee of the American Helicopter Museum and Education Center, West Chester, PA, and as an Adjunct Scholar of the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI), Philadelphia, PA.

“We are extremely fortunate to have Kevin take on this important position. He brings a proven track record in leading successful campaigns.  We are confident that Kevin will provide outstanding leadership for Harrisburg University’s advancement initiatives,” says Dr. Schiavelli.

A former journalist for Calkins Newspapers Inc. and former press secretary to a U.S. Congressman, Mr. McNamara began his career in non-profit management as Assistant Director of FPRI in 1988.  Ten years later, he commenced a six-year tenure at Drexel, where he played a key role in a $200 million comprehensive campaign.  He was recruited in 2004 to join Independence Seaport Museum as Vice President, where he raised $1 million-plus gifts and built a high-technology theater in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University.  He returned to Drexel in 2008.

In his new position, Mr. McNamara will provide leadership for Harrisburg University’s inaugural comprehensive campaign, CONNECT: The Campaign for Harrisburg University.

“As the son of a young man from Williamstown who had to leave Dauphin County to secure a rewarding job in the technology sector,” Mr. McNamara said, “I understand why Harrisburg University was founded.  This University will enable Central Pennsylvania’s young people to achieve their dreams without leaving the region.  In so doing, moreover, Harrisburg University will do for Central Pennsylvania what Drexel University has done for Philadelphia, and that is to help the region gain and hold a competitive edge in science and technology.  This is where Pennsylvania’s future – and where America’s future – will be found.”

As a writer, Mr. McNamara’s articles have appeared in "Commentary," "Defense News," "Orbis: A Journal of World Affairs," "Chicago Tribune," "Detroit News," "Newsday," "Philadelphia Inquirer," and "Seattle Times."  The author of a children's book, "The Presidency," he has been awarded three foundation grants and fellowships in support of a book on the Russian Civil War.

He earned the B.A. and M.A. degrees (journalism and political science) from Temple University.  He also earned a certificate in fund-raising management from the University of Pennsylvania, and a certificate in non-profit management from Stanford University's Graduate School of Business.

Harrisburg University is an innovative and ambitious private institution that produces graduates who provide increased competence and capacity in science and technology disciplines to Pennsylvania and the nation. Harrisburg University ensures institutional access for underrepresented students and links learning and research to practical outcomes. As a private University serving the public good, Harrisburg University remains the only STEM-focused comprehensive university located between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

For more information on the University's demand-driven undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs in applied science and technology fields, call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu.