by Martha I. Fernandez
Features Editor
University Relations’ search for replacements in vacancies opened last September ended as they decided the best people to represent and serve ULV would be ULV alumni.
Barbara L. Jefferson, class of 1972 and Donna L. Redman, class of 1988 are the new directors of development and alumni relations, respectively.
As director of development, Jefferson will serve as the liaison between the University and the business community.
“Currently, we’re encouraging corporate and foundation support. There is a good foundation that already has been built. It’s only a matter of taking it and expanding it,” said Jefferson who began her new position on Jan. 30.
Jefferson will work with individuals who give corporate and foundation support to the University. She said specifically she wants to enhance the relationship with the donors at the “corporate associates” level. That group, donors at the $1,000 level, has been developed over the last three years.
“I want to encourage it and make sure the University accesses opportunities with the corporate foundations.”
Foundations, usually choose to support specific areas such as construction, faculty enrichment or curricular development.
“We do have good relationships with many foundations. The job is that we keep in touch. It is the linkage between the university and the foundations that apply funding for specific needs the University has,” she said.
Jefferson comes to ULV after working for Pitzer College as the director of the annual fund. Her past experience include working at a variety of college campuses. Locally, she has worked at Scripps and Whittier Colleges.
Dartmouth College in New Hampshire is also part of her past employment. She has worked as development director and while at Whittier was associate dean of students.
Currently, she is working on her doctorate in education at Claremont Graduate School.
ULV has been a part of Jefferson’s life even before she was an undergraduate. Her mother, Margaret, graduated from ULV in 1939 and has had several relatives attend ULV.
“It feels good to be back, I’d like to be part in helping the good team that is here in the University Relations office,” said Jefferson.
Redman, director of alumni relations, began the first of the year and was chosen out of 64 applicants.
“I’ve always been real interested in all the alumni aspects and fundraising aspects of this department. It’s always been something I’ve been real in tune to,” said Redman.
As director of alumni relations, Redman organizes events for reuniting alumni such as homecoming, the new era alumni banquet and a tennis tournament.
“One of the first things I want to do is get to know as many alumni as I can,” said Redman. “I really believe in tradition, so I want to uphold a lot of the old traditions. But, I also support change I want the University to move in different ways.”
She plans to get young alumni more involved in events, as well as, getting to know students before they graduate. She also hopes to publish an alumni directory in 1996.
Redman is currently working on her MBA at ULV, but has taken a semester off due to her new position.
“They will know that they have somebody they can call if they have a question about what is going on, catching up or if they’re trying to find someone they lost touch with. That’s what I’m here for,” she said.
Redman has been with the University Relations office since June 1992. Her past position was gift processor. She received and recorded gifts donated to the University.
“People are very loyal to this University and send a lot of gifts. It let me realize how dedicated the alumni are to the University,” said Redman.
She is a third generation La Verne graduate. Her current position was once held by her mother, (Peggy, who is currently director of teacher education) for nine years.
“I find it when I look through the alumni list, I’m related to a large portion of the alumni. [La Verne] has always been part of my home, a part of my life and basically I feel it is like a home to me,” said Redman.
Martha I. Fernandez
