Maureen Silva. Image By Michael Matsushita.
HPU has named Maureen Silva, Ph.D. as its new Vice President of Advancement, effective June 1, 2023. Silva joins HPU with 36 years of experience in fundraising primarily set in higher education.
“I am very excited to join the HPU ‘ohana and lead the University’s efforts to engage with our over 45,000 alumni worldwide and our generous supporters in the community,” said Silva. “HPU is a diverse and innovative university with a wonderful mission to educate our students, preparing global citizens who embrace the Hawaiian values of pono, kuleana, and aloha.”
Silva joins HPU from Bridgewater College in Virginia, serving as their vice president of institutional advancement since 2014. While at Bridgewater College, she led a team that set institutional records for fundraising and expanded alumni and community engagement.
Prior to her role at Bridgewater College, Silva served as vice president for advancement at St. Mary’s College of Maryland and executive director for the St. Mary’s College of Maryland Foundation. She also served as the associate vice chancellor and campaign director at the University of Denver, and associate vice president for institutional advancement at the Colorado School of Mines.
Silva has been recognized extensively for her accomplishments and has been highly engaged with her communities through service on several boards, including the American Council on Education (ACE) Virginia Women’s Network and the United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. Other accolades include the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District III 2017 “Mentor of the Year,” presenter and mentor at the ACE VA Women’s Network, and member and Roundtable Chair for the CASE District VI Conference Committee.
“During our extensive search for a new vice president of advancement, the committee members and I had the opportunity to meet with and review the professional credentials of many accomplished individuals. Maureen stood out with her vast fundraising background and personal interests and aspirations,” said HPU President John Gotanda. “What resonated with me was Maureen’s sense of morality, responsibility, and humility. These three attributes are directly connected to HPU’s mission and values. We are all excited to welcome Maureen into our HPU ‘ohana.”
