Former Harvard University fundraiser Stephanie Katz has been named senior director of the University of Rochester's newly established George Eastman Society, according to Senior Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer James D. Thompson.
"We are making wonderful progress building a national caliber advancement division at the University," said Thompson. "More and more, the best and brightest from top advancement programs at the nation's leading universities see Rochester as a career destination. I am thrilled Stephanie is joining our team. She has the experience, knowledge, and skills needed to build one of our most exciting, new programs."
Katz joined Rochester's advancement division on Dec. 1 after completing her tenure as associate director of the Harvard College Fund (HCF). In this position, she managed the annual and reunion fundraising of five Harvard alumni classes, directed the 20th reunion gift campaign for the Class of 1985, and trained and guided alumni class chairs in their leadership of annual giving committees.
Prior to that, she was director of annual giving for the HCF and associate director, clubs and programs, of the Harvard Alumni Association. She has also worked as a professional fundraiser for the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
The George Eastman Society is slated to become the University's premier annual giving society and will recognize individuals who make unrestricted annual gifts of $1,500 or greater. The society is named in honor of the philanthropist who elevated the University of Rochester to the status of an international research university. George Eastman Society members will be honored for their involvement and vision to raise the University to a new level of greatness. As senior director, Katz will oversee the society's formation and development.
"I am thrilled to be part of this growing advancement team and to have such talented colleagues," said Katz. "My work will serve as a cornerstone of a University-wide, coordinated, and comprehensive program. Our goal is to double the annual fund and raise unrestricted funds for the schools and units."
Katz earned her master's degree from New York University's Institute of Fine Arts and her bachelor's degree from Washington University in St. Louis where she double-majored in architecture and art history.