April 30, 2014

We are pleased to announce that Julie Van Blarcom, veteran grantmaker, fundraiser and CEO, will join Westphal College and Drexel University as our new Assistant Vice President of Development. Van Blarcom has more than 20 years of experience in managing nonprofits and startups through strategic fundraising and community engagement. Most recently, she served as CEO of the Delaware Children’s Museum, where she led the fundraising effort to build and open the first science-focused museum for children in the state. She has also managed a statewide campaign to raise $21 million for Delaware’s major arts facilities, and she served as the Executive Director of Opera Delaware from 1997 to 2007.

“My heart and soul are deeply connected to the creative community. Having the opportunity to work with Westphal College to build a sustainable support system for tomorrow’s artists and designers is a wonderful opportunity. I am so happy to join Drexel University as a member of Institutional Advancement and to be able to work with the College’s exceptional faculty and staff,” said Van Blarcom.

Dean Sabinson said, “I am delighted to have on board such an experienced and accomplished individual as Ms. Van Blarcom. She will be an important partner in the College’s efforts to support the Pearlstein Gallery, The Richard and Penny Fox Historic Costume Collection, DUTV, scholarships for students, and on behalf of our many academic programs and strategic initiatives.”