December 1, 2017

Dear Colleagues,

It is with mixed feelings that I share the news that, after 31 outstanding years at the University of Miami, Donna Arbide, M.B.A. ’95 will become vice president for Development and Alumni Relations at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. on March 1, 2018.

Donna currently serves as interim senior vice president for Development and Alumni Relations and will remain in that role until she leaves for Washington, D.C., to ensure a smooth transition in leadership. We are in the final stages of recruiting the next senior vice president for Development and Alumni Relations.

I want to thank Donna for her many years of exemplary and inspired service to the University of Miami.  She has played a major role in shaping and promoting the University’s connection to alumni and other critical external communities. With a role spanning three UM presidents, Donna built alumni engagement programming, including Alumni Weekend, legacy admissions, and national and international outreach initiatives. She also oversaw the expansion of alumni and parent giving at UM, and spearheaded the creation of the Loyalty Donor Program, Parents Council, and the McLamore Society. Donna has served in numerous roles to advance the institution during her tenure. In every one of them, Donna brought her warmth, enthusiasm and caring to building relationships internally and externally on behalf of UM. We are richer for it.

The University of Miami not only attracts talent, but develops and sends it into the wider world.  As an alumna, ’Cane spouse and parent, Donna will always be a valued member of our community. The Hurricane family is grateful for her dedication to our institution and the energy she has invested in our future.

Please join me in wishing Donna and her family the very best in this next exciting chapter of their lives.