Watson

Patricia Watson has been named senior associate vice president of alumni affairs and development, Charles Phlegar, vice president for alumni affairs and development, announced Feb. 17. Her new position will take effect immediately.

Formerly associate vice president, Watson will manage the division's operations and oversee major gifts; the Cornell Annual Fund; trusts, estates and gift planning; development services for corporate and foundation relations; and the New York City office. She also will be responsible for managing the division's major gifts committee and Chairman's Circle initiative, the development steering committee and interactions with colleagues at Weill Cornell Medical College. In addition she will manage "Far Above …" campaign operations and the campaign cabinet, Phlegar said.

"Pat's long-term vision both for our division and industry, combined with her management skills and professionalism, will serve us well as we move forward," he said.

Watson, a 1983 graduate of the College of Human Ecology, has worked at Cornell since 2004. She joined the university as director for college and unit alumni affairs and development, with responsibility for the programs of Cornell's seven undergraduate colleges, three professional schools and eight independent units. She was previously assistant dean for college advancement at Syracuse University's College of Engineering and Computer Science.