William Peace University Vice President Julie E. Ricciardi Earns Prestigious Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Certification

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Raleigh, NC, December 31, 2014 --(PR.com)-- William Peace University, (http://www.peace.edu/) a private four-year university located in downtown Raleigh, is proud to announce that Julie E. Ricciardi, Vice President for the Office of Engagement, has earned the prestigious Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification from CFRE International. The honor is the highest certification for fundraising professionals around the globe.

As part of the December 2014 class, Ricciardi joins more than 5,000 professionals around the world who hold the CFRE designation. Individuals granted the CFRE credential have met a series of standards set by CFRE International which include tenure in the profession, education, demonstrated fundraising achievement and a commitment to service to not-for-profit organizations. They have also passed a rigorous written examination testing the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of a fundraising executive, and have agreed to uphold Accountability Standards and the Donor Bill of Rights.

“One of the greatest joys I have had in my life as a fundraiser is connecting donors to organizations that share their core values and meet important social missions,” Ricciardi said. “I am filled with gratitude that I have been able to spend my life working professionally in higher education and I have been taught so much by so many great mentors. After years of raising important dollars to support students, I am very proud at accomplishing my goal of becoming a CFRE.”

“We are delighted with Julie’s successful completion of the CFRE designation,” said Debra M. Townsley, Ph.D., President of William Peace University. “This is a significant accomplishment in her professional field and speaks to our mission and focus on continued life-long learning. Through this achievement, Julie ensures the best service to our donors, and remains a model for William Peace University students.”

In addition to her role in the Office of Engagement, Ricciardi is also the Interim Co-Director for the University’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre and Bachelor of Arts in Theatre programs, Production Manager for William Peace Theatre performances, and Director of the William Peace University Singers (glee club).

Ricciardi began her career as an elementary school teacher in Culver, IN, but was compelled to return to her Alma Mater, Purdue University, in 1999 where she began work as the Director of the Purdue Musical Organizations (PMO) Club. During her time at Purdue, Julie planned and coordinated the silent phase of PMO’s Capital Building Campaign, and created and fostered relationships with community organizations, businesses, and individuals. In August 2005, she also became the Director of both the Purdue Women’s Glee Club and the All Campus and Community Chorale. There, she coordinated more than forty performances each year, coordinated tours to South Africa, China, England, Ireland, Scotland, Canada, New York’s Carnegie Hall and Kennedy Center, Florida and throughout the Midwest. Her combination of philanthropic work for the department and directing chorale ensembles blended both fundraising and arts awareness.

Ricciardi later relocated to the Triangle area in 2008 and became the Director of Development for Peace College. Within a year, she was leading the 10-person team and also began serving as liaison to the Board of Trustees and the External Relations/Development Committee of the Board. She has also served as Vice Chair of the Lafayette Chapter of Association of Fundraising Professionals and Vice Chair position with Opera de Lafayette, a volunteer organization committed to education of K-12 through the vehicle of music where she both chaired the fundraising campaign and performed with the traveling ensemble.

Ricciardi is a member of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and serves on CASE District III’s MAGIC Conference Exhibitors and Sponsors Committee. She is also a member of the Association for Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and sits on the Board of Red Clay Ranch Equine Rescue and Sanctuary, Inc.

CFRE International is an independent organization dedicated to upholding the highest standards in ethical philanthropic fundraising through the certification of fundraising executives. Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and led by a small professional staff, CFRE International consistently meets the highest standards for certification excellence. The CFRE credential is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.

For the latest news and updates on William Peace University, please visit: http://www.peace.edu/news/.
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William Peace University
Ian C. Dunne
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www.peace.edu
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