Associate Vice Chancellor Gina Kelsch to Step Down From University Relations Post

Gina Kelsch, associate vice chancellor for university relations at the University of California, Davis, since 1989, has announced her resignation, effective Nov. 15. "I have decided to pursue professional opportunities that will allow me to spend more time with my family," Kelsch said. "This was a difficult decision, but the right one for me and my family at this time. I leave with a sense of accomplishment for all that has been collectively achieved these past 11 years, and with confidence that the campus is positioned for even greater successes." As associate vice chancellor, Kelsch serves as chief deputy to Vice Chancellor for University Relations Celeste E. Rose in the planning, coordination and implementation of all campus advancement programs, with direct responsibility for development, alumni relations and advancement services. Kelsch's leadership of the campus's fund-raising program has spurred record-level giving, with an all-time high of $72.2 million in private support raised this past year -- a 14 percent increase over the previous year. "'Sea change' is an overused descriptor, but it is what best characterizes the difference between our campus development effort before and after Gina," said UC Davis Chancellor Larry N. Vanderhoef. "That difference shows up across the campus, on our Foundation Board and among all our off-campus constituencies -- alums, philanthropists, community donors, and others too numerous to mention. UC Davis is in her debt." Added University Relations Vice Chancellor Rose: "Gina's contributions are many and her legacy is lasting. She has left an indelible imprint at UC Davis during her 11-year tenure: she established and built the development function; she provided leadership to and invested her considerable talents in all aspects of advancement; her work and expertise have garnered visibility, respect and prominence within the UC system and within the profession nationally; moreover, she has assembled a dedicated cadre of volunteer leaders and talented staff." Kelsch serves as director of the campaign for the Center for the Arts, an 1,800-seat performance hall and 250-seat studio theatre currently under construction on campus land visible from I-80. A total of $60.9 million will be spent to build and operate the hall, including $53.5 million to construct the building, $2.4 million for startup costs and $5 million for an initial operating endowment. The center is being financed through a $30 million fund-raising campaign, a $15.4 million UC regents' loan and $15.5 million in campus funds. To date, $42.9 million is in hand, including $12 million in pledges to the ongoing fund-raising campaign and the $30.9 million from the university. "Gina has set in motion the strategies to ensure the campaign's success," said Rose. "Through the combined efforts of University Relations and campus leadership and the most able Center for the Arts staff and volunteer team, momentum will be sustained and the campaign will be completed successfully." Rose indicated that she and Kelsch "would work together to assure a smooth and orderly transition" and that a national search will be initiated "as soon as practicable." Kelsch has served the University of California for more than 22 years, beginning with her 1977 appointment as director of alumni affairs and executive director of the UC Irvine alumni association. In 1983, she assumed the associate director of development post at UCI, advancing to development director in 1987. She served as president of the St. Mary Medical Center Foundation the following year before being recruited to UC Davis. She served as interim vice chancellor for university relations from April 1997 to July 1998. Kelsch's professional experience also includes appointments as coordinator of alumni affairs at California State University, Fullerton, from 1975 to 1977 and as lecturer in the CSU-Fullerton's English department from 1974 to 1975. She received a bachelor of arts degree in English from CSU-Fullerton in 1973 and also pursued graduate work in English there. Kelsch's contributions to her profession are extensive. She has assumed leadership roles within the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education since 1981, most recently serving as chair-elect of its national board. She is a member of the Panel of Experts on Fund Raising for Indiana University's Center on Philanthropy, a member of the National Society of Fund Raising Executives, and past member of the American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts.

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Lisa Lapin, Executive administration, (530) 752-9842, lalapin@ucdavis.edu