University of Hawaiʻi Foundation President and CEO Donna Vuchinich is planning her retirement after 14 years leading the agency. She will serve in her current role until a successor is named and assist with the transition to new leadership.
Vuchinich joined the UH Foundation in September 2002 as vice president for development and was appointed president and CEO in June 2004. She was president and CEO when the UH Foundation reached the historic milestone of $1 billion raised in support of UH students and programs.
“For more than 35 years, Donna has dedicated herself to educational fundraising in the firm belief that higher education is uniquely situated to transform individual lives and our community,” said Catherine Ngo, UH Foundation board of trustees chair. “Thanks to her strategic thinking and unique leadership style, UH Foundation has grown significantly in size and impact over the last 14 years.”
Ngo continued, “Accomplishments during her tenure include growing the foundation’s endowment for the University of Hawaiʻi from $85 million to more than $300 million and increasing funds raised for the University of Hawaiʻi from $20 million a year to more than $70 million a year. With her eye on national best practices, Donna played a critical role in evolving and professionalizing the alumni engagement and fundraising services that UH Foundation provides to UH. We are immensely grateful for her steadfast leadership and all she has done to position the UH Foundation for a successful, seamless transition.”
Under her leadership, UH Foundation successfully completed two capital campaigns, the Centennial Campaign that raised $336 million with a goal of $250 million, and the most recent campaign that raised $500 million and concluded a year ahead of schedule.
“Donna has been absolutely tireless in her support and advocacy for the entire University of Hawaiʻi System,” said UH President David Lassner. “As philanthropy becomes even more important to the future of public higher education, the growth under her leadership and the foundation she has laid will be critical in helping us better serve the people of Hawaiʻi for decades and generations to come.”
UH Foundation Board Chair Catherine Ngo will be appointing a search committee.
