Gilbert L. White has been appointed director of major gifts in the development office of the University of California, Davis. A Northern California native, White earned his bachelor's degree in political science at Washington State University. He returned to California as an executive director of Community Counseling Services Inc. in San Francisco, where he conducted multi-million dollar campaigns for various nonprofit organizations across the country. Most recently, White served as the associate director of development at the Roman Catholic Archdiocese in Portland, Ore., where he directed the $2 million Annual Catholic Appeal, as well as stewardship programs in 148 parishes throughout Western Oregon. "Gil's campaign experience is strong and he comes to us highly recommended," said Sue Francis, executive director of development for UC Davis. "We look forward to having him on board as we embark upon challenging new programs to advance the university's mission." White's first project will be helping to raise funds to build a premier Center for the Arts on campus. The campus has announced plans to build a $42.5 million, 1,800-seat performing arts hall that will provide a state-of-the-art stage for both UC Davis talent and world-touring performers once it opens in July 2002. The hall will be the first of three arts buildings to be constructed at the southern edge of the main campus. "I am enthusiastic about the plans for the Center for the Arts," said White, "and I approach the campaign with an appreciation of its uniqueness and the importance of the endeavor for UC Davis and the entire region."