Development Executive Joins Western University as Assistant Vice President for Constituent Relations

Mari Penshurst-Gersten, an advancement professional with extensive

experience in alumni and constituent relations at medical schools in the

western part of the United States, has joined Western University of Health

Sciences as assistant vice president of university advancement in charge

of constituent relations.

She comes to Western University from both the University of New Mexico

Health Sciences Center, where she was director of alumni affairs, and from

the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California,

where she was director of alumni and constituent relations.

“”Alumni bring an extraordinary value to a university,”” Penshurst-Gersten

said. “”How well a school succeeds is due, in great part, to the continued

involvement of its alumni. I’ve noticed a great passion for the school

among Western University’s alumni and I’m greatly looking forward to

speaking to our alumni and hearing how we can better serve them.””

In her new position, Penshurst-Gersten will manage and support the

university’s alumni association and other constituencies, supervise the

prospect research office, donor records department and the annual giving

program, as well as donor cultivation and stewardship.

“”She has the experience and ability to develop and manage a comprehensive

strategic plan to serve and engage the broadest possible connection with

alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends of Western University,”” said

Richard M. Nordin, vice president of university advancement. “”She has a

strong knowledge of database management and cultivation of both annual and

major donors and is an important additional to Western’s advancement team.””

A native of England, Penshurst-Gersten now lives in Pasadena. She has two

adult children, Kimberly Gersten of Dallas, Texas, a writer and animator,

and Trevor Gersten, an intelligence officer in the USAF in England.