Appointments
Penn State Intercom......October 17, 2002

Development welcomes new staff

The Office of University Development recently welcomed four new staff members to its ranks.

Christine Blanck joined the University's Division of Development and Alumni Relations as assistant director of major gifts in the College of Medicine at Hershey Medical Center. As assistant director of major gifts, she is responsible for identifying, cultivating and soliciting major gift prospects for the College of Medicine.

Blanck comes to Penn State from Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity, where she was the executive director. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Franklin & Marshall College.

After four years at the University of Connecticut, Ken Cutler, director of development for Intercollegiate Athletics at Penn State from 1991-1998, has rejoined the University's development staff as director of development for University programs. Ken served as associate athletic director at the University of Connecticut from 1998 until early this year.

In his new position, Cutler is responsible for managing development activities related to the University's regional fundraising program, the Catholic Community, and the Office of University Programs. He holds a bachelor of art degree in communications/mass media from Queens College and a master of science degree in sports administration from The Ohio State University.

Laura Doughty has been named assistant director of development for Penn State Great Valley. She transferred to University Development from the Alumni Association, where she served as alumni relations coordinator for Penn State Great Valley.

As assistant director of development, Doughty will be responsible for assisting in the development and operation of fund raising programs designed to identify and enhance private giving at Penn State Great Valley. She holds a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Penn State.

Tom Penkala has been named assistant director in the Office of Donor Relations and Special Events. He returns to Penn State after almost seven years as a travel agent at Centre for Travel Inc., in State College. Penkala previously worked as a manager in food services at Penn State.

In his new position, Tom is responsible for the planning, development and management of special events for the University's donors. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Penn State in food service and hotel administration.

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