Alyssa Wilcox was still settling in when we caught up with her in late January, but Penn State’s new Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations was already certain about one thing: “This is a special place.” Wilcox, who began her new role on Jan. 13, leads a division with nearly 600 full-time staff members in the Penn State Alumni Association and the Office of University Development. She came to State College from Purdue University, where she served as Chief of Staff and Senior Vice President for Partnerships; she previously held development leadership roles at Vanderbilt Law School, the University of Connecticut, and Riley Children’s Hospital, and began her development career with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund. We asked about her first impressions, what motivates her, and the opportunities ahead.

PS: What attracted you to this opportunity?

WILCOX: It’s three-fold: the brand, the size and loyalty of the alumni, and our land-grant mission. With the caliber of students, the passion of Nittany Nation, the generosity of donors and volunteers, and the leadership of Neeli Bendapudi—the DNA for success is baked into the Penn State identity.

PS: What’s been your first impression of our alumni?

WILCOX: The passion! Penn Staters are everywhere, and they are so intensely committed to this institution and one another. Scores of alumni have reached out in such a warm and welcoming way. With the largest alumni base in the world, together we can accomplish almost anything.

PS: Fundraising is essential to the success of a university like Penn State. How do you sum up your approach to development?

WILCOX: I’ve spent my entire career in fundraising and alumni relations building, and I love pairing alumni and friends with their passions. Whether it’s research, internships, or philanthropic investments, there’s not a part of this university that isn’t impacted by donor support.

PS: What aspects of the university’s work most excite you as opportunities for development impact?

WILCOX: The university is just beginning work on the next comprehensive fundraising campaign, and I’m thrilled to be joining the team as we think about how we continue to lead the way for our students and serve communities close to home and around the world. We have faculty and researchers fundamentally improving society, and philanthropy can really serve as a catalyst to drive discovery and innovation. When it comes to connecting donors with the lifeblood of the university—our students and faculty—I’m all in.

PS: What about ways to support student success?

WILCOX: Personally, I benefited from a scholarship when I was an undergrad, and that experience changed the trajectory of my life. Private giving is the margin of excellence for a world-class university, and no matter your path, a Penn State degree is a tool for success.

PS: You didn’t start out in higher education, but you’ve spent most of your career in this world. What about this work most inspires you?

WILCOX: Penn State is a life-changing experience and is the key for unlocking a lot of doors for people. My first week on the job, I met with the THON executive board—what an impressive, amazing group of students! It’s extraordinary that we claim the largest student-run philanthropy. Students always keep me motivated; they are the “why” behind the work we do.