Leadership Gifts
116 Old Main
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-6159
Fax: 814-863-7520
Joanne Cahill, director, jtc7@psu.edu
Esther Benitez, assistant to the director, ewb13@psu.edu
Deb King, staff assistant, dry1@psu.edu
Brenda Myers, administrative assistant, blm10@psu.edu
The Leadership Gifts Program at Penn State works with prospective donors at the highest levels of giving, typically $5 million or more. Leadership Gifts strengthen Penn State’s mission by encouraging and soliciting gifts that can literally transform parts of Penn State into nationally or internationally prominent entities. Housed in the Office of the Senior Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, the Director of Leadership Gifts—with guidance from the volunteer Leadership Gifts Committee, other senior members of the development staff, and the President—focuses full-time attention on leadership gift donors. This attention is frequent and personalized. The Office of Leadership Gifts also coordinates the President's involvement in development activities, making recommendations on how he should spend his time with potential benefactors and preparing briefings for all personal meetings with the President.