University Park, Pa. -- Penn State Senior Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Rodney P. Kirsch announced today (Dec. 19) that a longtime leader of the University's fundraising team will be departing early next year. Vice President for Development Peter B. Weiler has accepted the dual post of senior vice president for development at The Ohio State University and president of The Ohio State University Foundation. He will make the transition to the institution's Columbus campus by March 2008.
"For 12 rewarding years, Peter has been an incredible partner and colleague of mine," said Kirsch. "Every day, he brought amazing energy, creativity, and leadership to our development program and the results have been superb. And to be honest, along the way, he and I have had a lot of fun together. I join many Penn Staters in wishing Peter and his wife, Karen, who has been an equally marvelous member of the University community, the very best in this next chapter of their lives."
Weiler has served Penn State since 1989, when he left his position as director of alumni relations at the University of Vermont to become executive director of the Penn State Alumni Association, the world's largest dues-paying alumni organization. In 1996, he became the University's associate vice president for development and alumni relations, and he helped to lead Penn State in a period of unprecedented growth and success in fundraising. Weiler played a key role in guiding Penn State volunteers, staff and academic leadership through the Grand Destiny campaign, which concluded in 2003 having secured nearly $1.4 billion in total commitments.
In 2006, Weiler was promoted to the post of vice president for development and was prominent in leading Penn State to its most successful fundraising year in 2006-07, when the University received $284.7 million in commitments from private donors.
"Penn State's students and programs have benefited tremendously from Peter Weiler's dedication to this institution," said University President Graham B. Spanier. "Through his leadership and expertise, our development operation has grown to be one of the best in the country, and he has encouraged a culture of 'giving back' among our supporters. Peter has helped many of our alumni and friends to deepen their relationships with the University, and he will be missed by all of us who share his passion for making Penn State the best it can be."
In his new position, Weiler will lead development operations at The Ohio State University, ranked by U.S. News and World Report among the nation's top 20 public research institutions. Founded in 1870, Ohio State is one of the country's largest universities, with more than 50,500 students enrolled at its main Columbus campus. It is a member of the Big Ten athletic conference.
"I welcome the challenge of helping Ohio State to re-imagine its fundraising program for an exciting new era in the school's history, but I will always feel a strong connection to Penn State," said Weiler. "This has been a wonderful place to build a family and a career, and I am profoundly grateful for all that my Penn State colleagues, as well as the University's volunteers and donors, have taught me about loyalty and excellence."
The Weilers have a daughter, Jamie, 21, who graduated from Penn State in 2007, and two sons: Griffin, 19, who is currently a freshman at the University, and Mac, 16, who is a student at State College Area High School. Peter Weiler is active in a number of community organizations, and serves as president of the board for The Village at Penn State retirement community. Penn State named him an honorary alumnus in 1995.