It has only been a month since Marnie Dacko joined the West Virginia University Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, but the new associate director of development said it didn’t take long for her to notice the impact the College makes.

“In the short time I’ve been on the job, everybody I’ve met has spoken so highly of their experience, both at the undergraduate and graduate level. I was in Charleston last week and met several people who all expressed Mountaineer pride,” Dacko said. “They all want to give back in any way they can and it is inspiring for me to hear.”

Dacko’s role will serve the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences’ participation with A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University. The $1 billion comprehensive campaign being conducted by the WVU Foundation on behalf of the University runs through December 2017. It recently surpassed $800 million in funding.

As associate director of development, Dacko will foster relationships with donors and continue promoting the goals of the college. She will work with a portfolio of major gift donors and coordinate the college’s participation in the WVU Foundation’s Mountaineer Line program. She will also help coordinate hospitality, donor stewardship and recognition programs.

“Marnie has a great combination of experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm that is already making her a valuable contributor to the Eberly College’s development efforts,” said Interim Dean Rudolph Almasy. “We are glad she was able to join us.”

The shift to development for Dacko comes after a long career in athletics. Most recently, Dacko served as coordinator for development, marketing and special projects for women’s athletics at the University of Rhode Island. She was a former women’s basketball coach for 33 years, leading Division I teams at the University of Massachusetts, Cornell University, Northwestern University, St. Johns University, and University of Wisconsin.

Dacko expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share in WVU vision stating, “I have to thank Associate Vice President for University Development Chuck Kerzak, interim Dean Rudolph Almasy and Dean of Development Drew Chelosky. I look forward to helping elevate their development efforts to new heights.”

-WVU-

dr/2/2/15

CONTACT: Devon Copeland, Director of Marketing and Communication, Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
304-293-6867, Devon.Copeland@mail.wvu.edu

Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.