Richard E. Matheny, vice chancellor for university relations at the University of California, Davis, since 1988, will retire from that post July 1. Under Matheny's leadership, the campus's outreach programs have made significant strides, according to Chancellor Larry N. Vanderhoef. "Rich has overseen a dramatic increase in the quality of all of our university relations programs -- communications, government and community relations, fund raising, alumni relations and cultural programs," Vanderhoef said. "He has taken our efforts in these areas to the next level of sophistication and accomplishment. The campus will benefit from his leadership for many years to come." Under Matheny's guidance, private support for the campus has risen by 136 percent, from $25.1 million to $59.4 million per year; the campus's endowment has grown from $63.2 million to $174.4 million; and the number of endowed chairs has risen from five to 35. Alumni association membership has jumped from 14,000 to 22,060, and efforts to enlist alumni as advocates for UC Davis have been expanded. Audiences for arts performances and lectures have grown substantially, with nearly half of UC Davis Presents subscribers now residing outside Davis, and a new school outreach program takes world-acclaimed performers to local schools and brings more than 7,000 school children to campus each year for special matinees. The campus also has gained a stronger national reputation for its academic strengths and greater visibility and engagement with the Sacramento region. Of particular note is the creation of Aggie Village, a downtown residential neighborhood and planned shopping center created on university land through partnerships with the city of Davis and private developers. "Being part of UC Davis' management team has been the highlight of my career," Matheny said. "I will miss my colleagues very much and the many alumni and friends of the university who have stepped forward over the years to offer their support where it was most needed. With Chancellor Vanderhoef's vision and leadership, and the unwavering commitment of the UC Davis family to ensure the campus has the means to develop to its full potential, the university's future is bright indeed." Virginia Kelsch, associate vice chancellor for university relations, will serve as interim vice chancellor until a national search is concluded and a permanent successor chosen. Matheny served as UC Irvine's chief development officer from 1985 till appointed at UC Davis in December 1988. He was vice president for development and public relations at Whitworth College in Spokane, Wash., from 1981 to 1985 and executive vice president of its foundation from 1977 to 1981. He was executive vice president of the International Right of Way Association in Los Angeles from 1973 to 1977. During 1991, he was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship for study in the United Kingdom. In 1989, he received the Council for Advancement and Support of Education District VII Tribute Award for Professional Achievement. Matheny received a doctoral degree in educational leadership from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash., in 1985; a master's degree in public administration from the University of Southern California in 1973; and a bachelor's degree in public administration from Washington State University in 1962. He has written numerous articles on management and communication. In 1982, his book "Creating Charitable Trusts in Real Estate" was published, becoming a standard reference book in the planned giving field. u