VCU news

By Pamela DiSalvo Lepley
Division of University Relations

Virginia Commonwealth University President Michael Rao today announced the appointment of John I. Blohm to be vice president for Development and Alumni Relations.

Blohm currently is vice chancellor for Development and Alumni Affairs at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He was selected following a national search for the position that serves as chief advancement officer of VCU and the VCU Medical Center.

“This is a key position at VCU given the need to diversify and broaden our resources to address declining state support and to strengthen VCU’s academic profile and ensure student success,” Rao said. “VCU’s emphasis must be on securing resources for faculty recruitment, endowed chairs, scholarships for motivated students and other emerging needs at a national caliber university.”

Blohm’s excellent record of building and organizing strong fundraising programs will be invaluable in strengthening development and alumni relations initiatives to advance VCU’s mission as a public urban research university, Rao said.

"VCU's growing national and international reputation for outstanding faculty, students and alumni and a great history of philanthropic success provides a strong and exciting foundation to expand the donor base, regardless of geographic location,” Blohm said. “I am honored to become a part of this great institution.

“I feel strongly about engaging the entire university community in development efforts because these are the dedicated and talented individuals who have contributed to the success of VCU and who donors naturally wish to support,” he said.

Blohm has a long and distinguished career in higher education fundraising. Before his eight-year tenure at UAMS, he served as senior associate vice president for health sciences development at Emory University in Atlanta, as associate vice president for development at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and in several development positions at the University of Florida in Gainesville, including senior development director for the College of Medicine.

Blohm also was director of the annual fund and associate director of development at Virginia Wesleyan College in Norfolk and director of college relations at Suomi College in Hancock, Mich. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University.

Blohm’s appointment is effective Feb. 25, pending approval by the VCU Board of Visitors at its regular quarterly meeting on Feb. 10.

Blohm replaces Peter Wyeth, who has served as VCU’s vice president for Advancement since 1992.

“Peter has played a significant role in VCU’s progress over the past 19 years, not the least of which was his leadership of three progressively successful fundraising campaigns totaling investments of more than $781 million in the university. He has left an indelible, proud mark on VCU,” Rao said. “Peter is a great colleague and as a new member of the community, I have especially appreciated his assistance and sincere support.”