Nuvyn Peters appointed vice-president (development)

I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Nuvyn Peters as vice-president (development) effective July 15, 2014.

Nuvyn joins the University of Calgary as a seasoned executive with a track record of achievements in development, donor relations, and capital campaigns. She is currently the associate vice-president, Development and Campaign Operations at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. where she is responsible for designing the engagement and stewardship strategy for the university’s top donors. She also manages all aspects of the university’s $1.5 billion campaign, including committees, communications, data and analytics. Nuvyn oversees Georgetown's Board of Regents and works to engage the donor community in the strategic priorities of the university.  Previous to her time at Georgetown, she was national director of development at Orr Associates, a consulting firm to the non-profit industry, and led the development efforts at the Tahirih Justice Center, an organization dedicated to helping women and girls fleeing human rights abuses. 

Nuvyn was raised in Saskatchewan and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Saskatchewan and a Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution from Landegg International University in Switzerland. She is also a passionate community leader: she has provided conflict resolution and negotiation seminars for staff at the United Nations, designed choreography for a local dance company, and volunteered as an inner-city piano teacher. In 2006, she was also named one of Canada's top newsmakers of the week by Maclean's magazine. 

As vice-president (development), Nuvyn will help the university pursue its Eyes High strategic direction by leading the single most ambitious program ever undertaken by the Development office and among the largest comprehensive fundraising campaigns in Canadian history. Nuvyn will be a key member of the university’s leadership team as we celebrate our 50th anniversary, leveraging the opportunity to engage our broad community on a national scale. She and her team will continue to build the infrastructure and culture needed to enhance the future of the university through philanthropic giving, as well as sponsorships and grants from individuals, corporations, foundations and community partners. She will maintain and deepen our strong ties with the community, and lead the university’s dynamic team of fundraising professionals.

I would like to thank Gary Durbeniuk for his exceptional work and leadership over the past 12 years – a period that saw the University of Calgary join the ranks of the top five post-secondary institutions in Canada for annual fundraising. We are grateful for Gary’s flexibility in agreeing to stay after his originally planned retirement date in order to allow for a smooth transition to the new vice-president. Gary will complete his term as vice-president (development) on June 30, 2014.

Please join me in welcoming Nuvyn to the University of Calgary.

Elizabeth Cannon
President