People and Community University

Donna Arbide Named Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations at The George Washington University

Arbide leaves the University of Miami after 31 years in Development and Alumni Relations.

After 31 years in development and alumni relations at the University of Miami, Donna Arbide will become vice president for Development and Alumni Relations at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. on March 1, 2018.

Arbide has been serving as interim senior vice president of development and alumni relations since August 2017, and will remain in that role until she leaves for Washington, D.C., to ensure a smooth transition in leadership. Most recently, Arbide was associate vice president of alumni relations for University Advancement and executive director of the UM Alumni Association.

“I have been fortunate to contribute to the University’s transformation into a truly global institution with a strong foundation of scholarship and a broad research mission,” Arbide said of her time at UM. “Though I will no longer serve in an official capacity, I will continue to support the University’s progress with love and pride.”

Under the leadership of three UM presidents, Arbide built unique programs for the University, including Alumni Weekend, Legacy admissions and various national and international outreach programs. She also oversaw the expansion in alumni and parent giving at UM, spearheading the creation of the Loyalty Donor Program, Parents Council and the McLamore Society.

“As an alumna, ‘Cane spouse and parent, Donna will always be a valued member of our community,” said UM President Julio Frenk. “The Hurricane family is grateful for her dedication to our institution and the energy she has invested in our future.”

A nationally recognized leader in university advancement, Arbide managed the fundraising efforts of school and college development programs, raising more than $73 million last fiscal year. As chair of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Commission on Alumni Relations, she launched an international initiative that created standards of practice and alumni engagement metrics, and will chair the 2018 CASE Summit for Leaders in Advancement in New York.

“I have had the opportunity to work with Donna for many years. During my time at the University of Miami, I saw firsthand her strategic leadership and ability to enhance community among alumni and direct successful fundraising campaigns. She will be a tremendous asset to our university,” GWU President and former UM Provost Thomas LeBlanc said in an announcement released Friday.