Laurie Houck Named Vice President for Development at The College of Wooster

Will assume duties on September 19, 2011

WOOSTER, Ohio, July 7, 2011 – Laurie K. Houck has been named vice president for development at The College of Wooster, effective September 19, 2011.

As vice president, Houck will be responsible for leading Wooster’s comprehensive fund raising and alumni relations effort, including major gift cultivation, planned giving, the annual fund, and an array of alumni programs. She succeeds Sara L. Patton, who is stepping down after more than 30 years as the college’s chief development officer.

Houck comes to Wooster from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wash., where she has served as associate vice president for development since 2006. During those five years, Houck has led a team of 21, restructured the college’s major gift efforts, and managed a portfolio of major gift prospects herself.

Prior to Whitman, Houck held a series of positions at the University of Washington from 1997 to 2006. She advanced from major gifts officer to associate director of the major gifts program, then director, and finally executive director of campaign operations. In that role, Houck provided leadership and tactical direction for the university’s $2 billion campaign.

Houck began her development career in secondary schools, serving as director of development first at O’Dea High School, then at University Preparatory Academy, both in Seattle, Wash. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Whitman College.

According to Wooster President Grant Cornwell, “In a pool of strong candidates, Laurie Houck emerged as the best imaginable fit for Wooster as though the stars had aligned to deliver to us someone with the character, values, vision, experience, and professionalism so fitting this fine college. I look forward to working with Laurie as we lead Wooster boldly forward.”

In reflecting on her new assignment, Houck Says, “I am thrilled to be joining the Wooster family, a college that melds academic rigor with personal attention, a focus on research, and an engaging view of a 'learning' life. This college offers wonderful opportunities to its students, as well as to its community, and I look forward to being an ambassador for what it does so well.”

The College of Wooster is an independent liberal arts college, nationally recognized for excellence in teaching and a curriculum built around mentored undergraduate research. Every Wooster senior works one-on-one with a faculty adviser to create an original research project, written work, performance or art exhibit. Founded in 1866, the college enrolls approximately 2,000 students.