April 2, 2009
UW Alumni Association to have a new leader in June
Paul Rucker has been named executive director of the UW Alumni Association and associate vice president of alumni relations, effective June 1. The transition plan was announced by Connie Kravas, UW vice president for university advancement, and unanimously endorsed by the UWAA Board of Trustees.
Rucker, 39, attended the UW as an undergraduate and also received a master’s degree from the UW’s Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs. He brings more than 16 years of experience in higher education administration, specializing in international development and institutional advancement.
“I’m honored to have been asked to serve the University in this new and exciting role,” Rucker said. “I look forward to working with UW leadership and the UWAA Board of Trustees to ensure the continued vitality of this important part of the University of Washington community.”
In 2004, Rucker joined the UW as director of alumni relations for the UWAA and in 2007 was appointed assistant vice president for constituent relations.
“Paul is a proven leader in the field of alumni relations and is uniquely positioned to help us address the challenges and opportunities facing the association,” said Rick Osterhout, UWAA Board of Trustees president. “He clearly understands the pivotal role a vibrant alumni association plays in the life of our great University.”
Chuck Blumenfeld, UWAA director since February of 2007, is retiring May 31. “This was a tough decision, as I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as executive director and my 10 years of board and staff service to the UW Alumni Association,” Blumenfeld said. “It has been my pleasure—and a great honor—to have been associated with our great University and the association.”
Blumenfeld is a lifelong Husky with strong ties to the UW going back six decades. His father, Irwin Blumenfeld, was the University’s main spokesperson for 34 years.
A political science major and president of the UW’s student bar association, Blumenfeld became one of the first lawyers in Seattle to specialize in environmental law. At Perkins Coie, he chaired the firm’s environmental and natural resources practice group.
The UW was always a heartbeat away with Blumenfeld, who served on the law alumni board before giving eight years to the UWAA Board of Trustees. As executive director, he helped foster a strong partnership with the campus community and worked tirelessly to engage alumni across the globe.
“Chuck has been a huge part of the UW for most of his life and we are deeply indebted to him for his devotion and unbridled passion for his alma mater,” said Kravas. “He has committed so much to the UWAA and the UW for decades. His presence will be sorely missed.”
