Howie Fitzgerald joins advancement team
Howie Fitzgerald, a long-time fundraiser in higher education, is joining the School of Social Ecology’s development team as a director, effective Oct. 7.
Fitzgerald comes from Cal State Long Beach, where he served as director of development for the university’s College of Liberal Arts. He will join the school’s development team, which includes: Stacy Skwarlo, executive director, Jason Creque, associate director; and Tresa Hightower, development analyst.
“Over the past 20 years, Howie has been a key figure in connecting institutions with the philanthropic community, reflecting his dedication to using education as a tool for realizing individual potential and promoting social mobility,” Skwarlo says. “We are delighted to have him join our team.”
The school, she adds, “has been actively working to implement the goals of our strategic planning process, with a focus on: 1 — fostering greater interdisciplinary collaboration, 2 — enhancing the Field Study Program, and 3 — strengthening community engagement, including the creation of a social impact hub. Our development team is a critical component of building community engagement. Our development team looks forward to fostering new and ongoing partnerships, expanding fundraising efforts, and increasing outreach.”
The school raised more than $6.3 million in the past academic year and the development team has numerous solicitations planned for the coming year. Among the recent funds received was a $1.5 million gift from The Drake Gives to establish the Power of Music initiative.
Fitzgerald, a musician, cyclist, runner and hiker in his free time, says: “I find the mission of UC Irvine’s School of Social Ecology compelling because it uses data-driven research to address some of society’s most urgent issues. I’m excited to join the School at such a pivotal time and look forward to working with the philanthropic community to create new opportunities for growth.”