DPU names new VP of development, alumni engagement

Anne Cunningham

Following a national search, Anne Cunningham, a development leader at Case Western Reserve University, will join DePauw University July 1 as its vice president for development and alumni engagement.

Cunningham, the associate vice president for development and external relations, has been employed by Case Western for five years and, before that, its alumni association for almost eight years.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Akron and a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Case Western. Her appointment culminates a search conducted by representatives from across the university and supported by global executive search firm WittKieffer.

“I am thrilled to join President Lori White’s cabinet and lead the development and alumni engagement division as DePauw’s new vice president,” Cunningham said. “I am excited to be a part of the team that is helping to build future successes and I look forward to working with alumni and friends of DePauw.”

White said Cunningham’s experience will be an asset to the university.

“Anne is energetic and personable, and she sets high goals for herself and the teams she leads,” White said. “She will be a strong representative of DePauw as we continue to build our relationships with alumni and friends of DePauw who wish to support our mission to develop leaders the world needs through an uncommon commitment to the liberal arts.”

White, who became DePauw’s president last July 1, thanked Dawna Sinnet Wilson, DPU class of 1982, for her leadership during a time of transition. Wilson, who did not seek the permanent position, has been the interim associate vice president for development and alumni engagement since November 2019, when the previous vice president, Steven Setchell, DPU class of 1996, took a similar post at Whitman College.