The Office of Development and Alumni Relations is located in the Reichlin House. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Office of Development and Alumni Relations
Philadelphia University
4201 Henry Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19144-5497
Fax 215.951.2569

Jesse R. Shafer
Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations
215.951.2850
shaferj@PhilaU.edu

Jesse joined PhilaU in July 2010 and is focused on working closely with the University’s senior leadership, the Board of Trustees and the development and alumni relations team to plan and execute Power to Innovate: The Campaign for Philadelphia University, a five-year, $40 million fund-raising effort to support the implementation of core initiatives of the University’s Strategic Plan. His extensive background includes a diverse, 18-year career in fundraising with leading higher education, health care, special education and social service organizations. Prior to joining PhilaU, Jesse served for more than nine years as senior campaign director and, for the last several years, vice president with CCS Fund Raising, one of the nation’s oldest and largest fund-raising consulting firms. He received his undergraduate degree in English from La Salle University.

Joshua E. Liss
Assistant Vice President for Development Operations
215.951.6833
lissj@PhilaU.edu

Joshua came to PhilaU in March 2008 from the University of Pennsylvania, where he held leadership roles in the areas of annual giving and alumni programming, and worked in its Schools of Veterinary Medicine and Dental Medicine. Previously, Joshua also served as director of annual giving at Ursinus College and worked in development for Philadelphia University early on in his career. In his position, Joshua oversees the University’s annual giving, advancement services, and prospect research programs. He received his undergraduate degree in history and political science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Michael S. Molloy
Assistant Vice President for Major Gifts and Planned Giving
215.951.0254
molloym@PhilaU.edu

Michael joined PhilaU in May 2011 and is responsible for engaging alumni and friends in the life of the University. He is also reinvigorating the planned giving program and encouraging donors to include PhilaU in their estate plans. He came to PhilaU from the Devereux Foundation, serving as the national director of development. Mike oversaw the successful completion of a $20 million capital campaign and the effort to meet a major challenge grant. He has also held leadership fundraising positions at the Southeastern Pennsylvania chapter of the American Red Cross and the Philadelphia Zoo. Mike received his undergraduate degree in economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Erin Wooley M’07
Director of Annual Giving
215.951.6818
wooleye@PhilaU.edu

Upon returning to her alma mater in March 2011, Erin said, “I consider myself fortunate to be back at PhilaU; it’s like coming home again for me.” She started her PhilaU career in 2004 as an administrative assistant in the Department of Athletics, and later served as the assistant director of alumni relations in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations. In her current role, Erin is primarily responsible for growing The Theodore C. Search Society, the University’s prestigious donor society. Erin works closely with members of the PhilaU community, including alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends, to keep them connected and engaged with the University. Erin previously served as the director of annual giving at Presby’s Inspired Life, a nationally recognized leader in senior living. In addition, Erin has held fundraising positions at Valley Forge Military Academy & College and Harcum College. She received her undergraduate degree in sport management from York College of Pennsylvania and her MBA from PhilaU.

Casey Heilig
Assistant Director of Annual Giving
215.951.5353
heiligc@PhilaU.edu

Casey joined PhilaU in August 2010 and is responsible for the PhilaU Phonathon, Senior Class Gift and The Theodore C. Search Society Young Members programs. She also works closely with Alumni Relations in promoting young alumni involvement. Casey is a graduate of The George Washington University where she served as a caller and student manager for The Colonial Connection phonathon program. She was also very active in the senior class gift program while at George Washington. She received her undergraduate degree in women’s studies and creative writing.

Louisa S. Kopp
Director of Alumni Relations
215.951.2186
koppl@PhilaU.edu

Louisa came to PhilaU in November 2011 from Drexel University, where she served as Associate Director of Alumni Relations.  Previously, Louisa worked in Drexel’s Student Life Office and also was the Student Activities Coordinator at The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College.  In her current role, Louisa oversees PhilaU’s alumni programming and events, volunteers and networks, and benefits and services for alumni. She received her undergraduate degree in business from Drexel University.

Robert J. Skomorucha
Director of Corporate, Foundation and Government Relations
215.951.2865
skomoruchar@PhilaU.edu

Rob, who joined PhilaU in October 2010, works with faculty and staff to advance the University’s Strategic Plan by managing a portfolio of corporate and foundation prospects. He also works closely with the Office of the Provost to provide support to University researchers and other faculty and staff in all facets of government grant application and management. Rob previously worked at Widener University, where he served as the director of government and external relations. He helped to attract $2.2 million in government capital construction awards and approximately $3 million in earmarks and competitive grants for academic programs. His higher education experience also includes serving as the assistant vice president for government and community relations at Saint Joseph’s University. Rob received his undergraduate degree in humanities from Saint Joseph’s.

Stacy Gillins ’05
Database Manager
215.951.2867
gillinss@PhilaU.edu

Stacy came to PhilaU in 2001 from Temple Continuing Care Center, where she worked on the software conversion of the advancement and asset management systems. She has also participated in several software implementations at an insurance company. At PhilaU, Stacy is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the institution’s advancement system, managing gift and pledge processing, ensuring database integrity, and assisting with reporting and data analysis. She received her undergraduate degree in management information systems from PhilaU and is pursuing her MS in Nonprofit Management from Eastern University.

John Rebstock
Prospect Researcher
215.951.5676
rebstockj@PhilaU.edu

John came to PhilaU in November 2007 and supports the effective solicitation of major gifts through individual prospect research and the development of donor profiles. Prior to joining PhilaU, he conducted donor and grant research and development duties for a variety of non-profit organizations, including the Ecological Society of America and the Anti-Defamation League, among others. John received his undergraduate degree in political science from Johns Hopkins University and a master’s degree in political management from The George Washington University.

Paula Gaughan
Executive Administrative Assistant
215.951.2850
gaughanp@PhilaU.edu

Paula came to PhilaU in April 2011 and has worked in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations since October 2011.  She is responsible for managing the office, and coordinating the Vice President’s calendar and work flow.  Paula is also charged with developing and managing key relationships with prospects and donors, and collaborating with staff to develop cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.  She came to PhilaU from Sacred Heart University, where she was the office manager for their international campus in Luxembourg.  Previously, Paula held donor relations positions at Cabrini College and Wilkes University.  She received her undergraduate degree in communications from Wilkes University.

Hazel Winborn
Administrative Assistant
215.951.2710
winbornh@PhilaU.edu

Hazel joined PhilaU in October 1997 and worked for various departments until she came to the Office of Development and Alumni Relations in December 2000. She primarily supports the alumni relations program, and oversees event registration, coordinates the PhilaU Pennsylvania license plate program, and organizes class notes for Innovator Magazine. Hazel also provides essential support to the office as a whole by assisting with a variety of administrative tasks including managing our student workers.