GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College Vice President for College Advancement Roberta Leonard has earned CFRE International’s accreditation as a Certified Fund Raising Executive.
Individuals granted the CFRE credential have met a series of standards set by the Alexandria, Va.-based CFRE International, which include tenure in the profession, education and demonstrated fundraising achievement. They have also passed a rigorous written examination testing the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of a fundraising executive, and have agreed to uphold Accountability Standards and the Donor Bill of Rights. About 6,300 professionals around the world hold the CFRE designation.
“The CFRE credential was created to identify for the public and employers those individuals who possess the knowledge, skills, and commitment to perform fundraising duties in an effective and ethical manner,” CFRE International President and CEO Eva E. Aldrich, Ph.D., said. “As the certification is a voluntary achievement, the CFRE certification demonstrates a high level of commitment on the part of Roberta Leonard to the fundraising profession and the donors who are served.”
CFRE recipients are awarded certification for three years. To maintain certification status, certified fund raisers must demonstrate on-going fundraising employment and fundraising results and continue with their professional education. Employers and donors who work with CFREs know they are getting a professional who is committed to the best outcomes for their organization and has the requisite knowledge and skills.
Leonard was named vice president on Nov. 1, 2016. In the past 18 years, she held several positions in College Advancement, including director of corporate, foundation, and government support; executive director of donor services; and executive director of the Capital Campaign. In the spring 2016, she was appointed interim vice president for college advancement. In that role, she oversaw the Thiel 2016 Campaign as it surpassed its $60 million goal, and supported the College’s transition to President Susan Traverso, Ph.D., who took office Aug. 1, 2016.
Leonard was also named to the Thrivent Fellows Program in 2016. The program is a rigorous 12-month executive fellowship designed to develop the leadership capacity of staff members at colleges and universities affiliated with the Lutheran church. Leonard received her bachelor’s degree at the University of Pittsburgh and joined Thiel College in 2001.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.