Geoff Halberstadt named Liberal Arts’ senior director of development

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Geoff Halberstadt has been named senior director of development for the Penn State College of the Liberal Arts, effective April 8.

Halberstadt has worked for the University’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations for nine years, beginning as an intern before serving tenures as assistant director (2011-2014) and associate director (2014-2016) of development in the College of Engineering. He joined the College of the Liberal Arts in May 2016 as director of major gifts and had served as the college’s interim director of development since July 2017.

Halberstadt is also a Penn State alumnus, having received his bachelor’s degrees in political science and history in 2011 and his master’s degree in higher education (with an emphasis in administration) in 2017.

“Geoff’s liberal arts education, his fund-raising acumen, his terrific work with the Alumni Relations and Development team, and his relationships with donors to date make him the ideal person to fill this role,” said Susan Welch, dean of the College of the Liberal Arts. “I certainly appreciate his willingness to serve as the interim  director for such an extended period. His leadership helped us make a great start on the current ‘Greater Penn State’ campaign, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the college’s development efforts under his guidance.”

“Geoff has earned this promotion through his hard work on the current campaign and his collaborative efforts with the dean, the college alumni relations and development team, and the donors,” added Cathy McKeon, a 1971 graduate in French, and chair of the college’s Development Council.  “It’s been a pleasure to work with Geoff and to see him rewarded for his diligence and his development of long-term personal relationships.”

“I am very honored and humbled to have this opportunity to serve the College of the Liberal Arts,” Halberstadt said. “As a liberal arts alumnus, I deeply believe in the inherent value of a liberal arts education. I am excited to assume this leadership role and work with the dean, our faculty, the college’s outstanding alumni relations and development team, and our dedicated volunteers and donors as we continue to pursue our philanthropic priorities and positively impact the college’s community.”

Halberstadt can be reached at glh5028@psu.edu.