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Marquette News Briefs
July 17, 2013

Michael VanDerhoef named vice president for university advancement

Following a national search, President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., announced today that Michael VanDerhoef has been named vice president for university advancement, effective Sept. 3, 2013. VanDerhoef, a 1984 Marquette graduate, currently serves as president of the Virginia Mason Foundation, the fundraising arm of Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle. He also serves as vice president of Virginia Mason Medical Center.

In his new role as vice president for university advancement, VanDerhoef will be responsible for leading the university's engagement and fundraising efforts directed at Marquette's 110,000 alumni nationwide, as well as community partners and friends of the university. Tom MacKinnon, chief of staff to the president, has been serving as interim vice president for university advancement since May 2012.

"Michael has been recognized not only for his innovative approach to fundraising, but also for his management style, which has focused on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of his team," Father Pilarz said. "I'm confident he will be able to connect with our alumni and friends to advance Marquette's development goals and ultimately improve the student experience in the Catholic, Jesuit tradition." Pilarz emphasized his gratitude for the university advancement leadership team during the transition and Tom MacKinnon, chief of staff, for serving as interim vice president for university advancement since last May.

As president of the Virginia Mason Foundation, VanDerhoef was responsible for the development and implementation of annual and capital fundraising campaigns for the medical center's priorities and projects, as well as management of the Bailey-Boushay House, Virginia Mason Medical Center's skilled nursing inpatient facility and outpatient program. VanDerhoef worked closely with the medical center's CEO, board of directors, physicians and volunteers to identify, cultivate and engage major donors. In 2011, he completed a comprehensive fundraising campaign that raised $100 million for the health system.

"I am honored to be returning to Marquette University, my alma mater, in a position that allows me to contribute to the excellence and vitality of an extraordinary university that has meant so much to me and my family. This is an exciting time for Marquette as we embrace an ambitious strategic plan and vision for the university's future, and I am glad to have the opportunity to play a part in making that vision reality."

An expert in the field of development, VanDerhoef has presented at philanthropy conferences across the country and has been featured in the Chronicle of Philanthropy and The New York Times for his success at the Virginia Mason Foundation. He is a founding member of The Advisory Board's Philanthropy Leadership Council and a member of the Seattle Nativity School's board of directors.

VanDerhoef received a bachelor's degree in journalism and advertising from Marquette University in 1984, and a MBA from the University of Illinois-Chicago in 1993.

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