George Washington University’s Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Donna Arbide has announced she is stepping down from her position as chief fundraiser for the university to focus on her health.
Arbide, who has led GW’s philanthropy and engagement efforts for nearly seven years, recently completed comprehensive cancer treatment at GW.
“While I feel blessed to be on the road to recovery, I know that right now GW is at a pivotal moment and needs a leader who can devote 110 percent to this great university,” Arbide said. “The past six months have taken a lot out of me, and I need to focus on rebuilding my health.”
Arbide will continue in her role as GW undertakes a comprehensive search for a new vice president for development and alumni relations.
President Ellen M. Granberg noted that the position “is a critically important role for the university, and Donna will leave us with big shoes to fill.
“Her dedication and vision have transformed philanthropy at GW and enabled us to make lasting investments across the university—from student access to faculty recruitment to the physical plant and beyond,” Granberg said.
Under Arbide’s leadership, GW has more than doubled annual contributions to scholarships and financial aid for talented students who seek an education that can transform their lives. This includes the largest one-time alumni gift in GW’s history–$20 million from the estates of Mary H. and Josephine R. Shepard—to support need-based scholarships.
During Arbide’s tenure, contributions to GW’s endowment have grown at an impressive rate, sustaining the university’s ability to recruit and retain talented faculty and students. Philanthropic support has also catalyzed innovative university initiatives including the Loeb Institute for Religious Freedom and Democracy and the Global Food Institute.
Arbide and her team have successfully launched new efforts to engage the alumni and donor communities. During the pandemic, Development and Alumni Relations led the celebration of GW’s Bicentennial in 2021 and launched GW’s first Giving Day, which has grown in participation and dollars raised every year since.
Reflecting on her time at GW, Arbide said she is especially proud of the progress she and her team have made modernizing the university’s philanthropic infrastructure.
“The hard work we have put into bringing our data and digital information systems up to speed has been instrumental in our success,” she said.
Granberg agreed, saying that “GW philanthropy would not be where it is today without Donna Arbide.
“We wouldn’t be on the path to achieving our future goals without her many contributions,” the president said.
After the transition, Arbide will focus on her recovery. She said she looks forward to spending time with family, including her 93-year-old mother in Huntsville, Alabama.
“Having cancer has been scary and challenging but also eye-opening for me,” she said. “You learn how important your community is. I have been incredibly fortunate to be part of the GW family—from my GW doctors to my GW colleagues to all of the alumni, students and friends. I have felt supported every step of the way.
“I also realize how important it is to spend time with those you love and to love yourself enough to prioritize your health.”