VIU APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS

Dan Hurley, Executive Director of University Relations at Vancouver Island University (VIU), today announced the appointment of William Litchfield as the next Director, Advancement and Alumni Relations beginning in February 2014.

"William joins us at an important time in the University's history," said Hurley. "As we move forward with plans to raise funds to increase financial support for students and to initiate a major capital fund raising campaign to improve our campus facilities and the learning environment, engaging our communities, alumni and donors will be critically important to achieve positive philanthropic support for these initiatives.

William's leadership and experience in these areas will be a valuable asset and will provide leadership to our advancement and alumni relations team."

Litchfield joins VIU from Parkland College based in Yorkton, Saskatchewan where he is currently Director of Advancement. In this role, he has been responsible for leading the institution's first-ever Capital Campaign — a campaign that has raised more than $8 million to date, exceeding the initial goal of $5 million.

He has also been instrumental in developing Parkland's international education strategy and oversees the College's marketing, communication and front-line staff.

He has also provided leadership and supervision to career and student services, student recruitment, apprenticeship, contract training, trades and agriculture training departments.

Previously, Litchfield was an international project coordinator and auxiliary business instructor with College of the Rockies in Cranbrook, and has worked extensively overseas.

He is a graduate of Carleton University with a Bachelor of International Business, and also holds a Master of Science in Project Management from University of Liverpool and a graduate certificate in International Development from the University of British Columbia.

He is an active member of the Yorkton community having served as President of the Rotary Club and on the city's economic development education committee, as well as through competitive sports with the Canadian Underwater Games Association.

Litchfield says he is inspired by VIU's connection and dedication to students and the communities it serves.

"The evolution of Vancouver Island University has been remarkable. The unique programming mix creates an inclusive environment supporting access to world-class educational opportunities for all students. I am excited to join VIU on this journey and begin to share the stories of our graduates and alumni making a difference at home and around world."

In his new role, Litchfield will play a leadership role in VIU's University Relations department responsible for the Advancement and Alumni Relations Office which oversees the University's annual fund raising campaign, alumni relations, major and planned giving, donor stewardship and advancement services activities.

He will also provide important guidance to the Vancouver Island University Foundation, which manages the University's $16 million endowment fund and supports VIU's fund raising priorities and activities.

"On behalf of the board of directors of the VIU Foundation, I am very pleased to welcome Mr. Litchfield to our University and to Vancouver Island," said Michael Walker, Chair of the VIU Foundation.

"He brings a diverse background in post-secondary fund raising and advancement as well as senior administrative and volunteer leadership experience to VIU. We look forward to working with him."

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Media Contact
Janina Stajic, Manager, Vancouver Island University P: 250.740.6288
E: Communications@viu.ca Twitter: @VIUNews