O. Richard Bundy III was named Penn State’s new Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations. Bundy, an alumnus with two Penn State degrees, currently serves as the President and CEO of the University of Vermont Foundation, a position he’s held since the foundation’s establishment in 2011.

Bundy will officially take on the position on January 1, 2017, pending confirmation at the November 4 Board of Trustees Meeting. He is an extremely fitting choice to succeed Rod Kirsch, who retired on August 31 after 20 years in the position.

“Rich’s energy and fresh perspective are exactly what Penn State needs as we prepare to launch our upcoming capital campaign,” said President Barron. “Our alumni and friends are passionate advocates of Penn State and its mission, and it takes an equally passionate leader to engage with them and convey our most fundamental needs. Not only does Rich possess that passion, but he shares our collective vision to enhance Penn State’s impact, both here and beyond.”

Bundy has made his career in higher education after graduating from Penn State with a B.S. in history in 1993 and a Master’s in 1996. He then went to Michigan State to earn an MBA with a focus in integrative management in 1999 and the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2004 for the Management Development Program.

From there Bundy went to Iowa State and eventually served as the VP for Development to cap off more than 10 years with the university. At Penn State, he is a member of the Alumni Association as well as the Nittany Valley Society and the Golden Lion Society. Son of former Blue Band Director Dr. Richard Bundy, Bundy III also endowed a scholarship in his father’s honor in 2011.

“Penn State is unquestionably one of the leading public universities in the nation, with far-reaching impact, a passionate alumni community, and an exciting strategic vision to affect the world in positive and enduring ways,” Bundy said. “Philanthropy is an increasingly critical component of public higher education, and I look forward to working with President Barron and the entire Penn State family to advance the university’s mission and vision through the upcoming campaign.”

Senior Associate Vice President for Development David Lieb will serve the role in an interim capacity throughout the end of the year until Bundy takes over.