Laurie A. Robinson, acting director of development at Cornell University, has been appointed director, announced Inge T. Reichenbach, vice president for alumni affairs and development.

Robinson is a 1977 graduate of Cornell's College of Arts and Sciences. She has been acting director of development since last August, succeeding Reichenbach in that position. Since 1990, she has been director of volunteer and staff development, where her primary responsibility was to develop and conduct training programs and materials for Cornell's volunteers and staff working in support of the successful Cornell Campaign.

"I am delighted that Laurie Robinson has agreed to be the new director of Cornell development" Reichenbach said. "Laurie brings 19 years experience as a professional in the area of alumni affairs and development. As acting director for the past 10 months, she has provided outstanding leadership to the program in a time of transition and reorganization. She has accomplished much already with great skill and sensitivity. I know she will continue to be a great leader for Cornell's development efforts."

As director of development, Robinson will be responsible for providing leadership in planning and implementing a comprehensive fund-raising program for the university, its colleges and units. She also will work with prospective donors and other funding sources on developing private support for Cornell.

"I couldn't be more pleased, honored and excited. This is a great job at a great institution working with great people," Robinson said. "While the challenges ahead of us are not small, our potential for continued success is greater. Cornell's excellence, generous alumni, talented and dedicated volunteers and staff and visionary leadership are a unique combination which serve us well and make this job thoroughly rewarding."

Robinson's career in alumni affairs and development began as a corporate researcher in the development office and includes assistant and associate positions in the Cornell Fund, Cornell's Office of Major Gifts, the Upstate New York Regional Office for Alumni Affairs and Development and director of Annual Giving at Ithaca College.

She also has served as consultant and workshop leader for a variety of educational and human service institutions and organizations.