UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Dale DiSanto, executive director of campus development at Penn State, will retire from the University on July 10.
DiSanto joined the University’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR) in 2003 and has been responsible for managing fundraising efforts for 20 of Penn State’s Commonwealth Campuses. He served in a leadership role throughout the For the Future fundraising campaign, which raised $2.16 billion, and has helped to build record-setting momentum in the University’s current campaign, A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence.
“Dale has been a great partner to the chancellors and development staff at our Commonwealth Campuses,” said Penn State Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations O. Richard Bundy III. “He’s also been a friend and guide to the many donors who support our campuses, and he is an advocate for our students. His many contributions to the University will be felt for a long time to come.”
Over his 45-year career, DiSanto held leadership roles at several major educational and nonprofit organizations, including serving at The Ohio State University as the director of corporate and foundation relations and at the University at Buffalo as assistant vice president for university development. Across his tenure at Penn State, DiSanto’s major gift fundraising acumen was not only shared broadly with the staff with whom he worked, but also manifested itself in over $60 million in major gifts that he personally secured above and beyond the gifts acquired through the efforts of the direct reports under his leadership and oversight.
“Dale has done so much to support our University’s students,” said Penn State Senior Associate Vice President for Development Dave Lieb. “We are grateful for the talent he’s shared with DDAR and for the impact he’s made on Penn State communities across the commonwealth.”
Dale and his wife, Patti, are life members of the Penn State Alumni Association, and the couple’s three children have each earned degrees from Penn State. Reflecting on his career, DiSanto said, “I am especially proud of the results of the campuses and our ability to exceed goals that provide great opportunities to students in need and a better environment for Penn Staters across Pennsylvania. From a personal standpoint, it has been wonderful to see all three of our children graduate from Penn State with a first-class education from a top-tier university.”