Major Gifts Officer to Bolster Key Programs

Gwendolyn Perrilliat has been named central major gifts officer for The University of Texas at Dallas.  In this newly created position, Perrilliat will handle fund raising for various programs that do not reside within a specific UT Dallas school.  Her areas include the following:

• McDermott Library and its special collections.
• Academic Bridge Program.
• Chess Program.
• Student Affairs.
• Gateways to Excellence in Math and Science (GEMS).

Perrilliat previously was a development officer with the Baylor Health Care System Foundation in Dallas.  She has experience in annual giving, donor stewardship, cultivation and strategic planning.  Before the Baylor Healthcare System Foundation, she worked in development for the Ogden Museum of Southern Art at the University of New Orleans and served as a development officer and special assistant to the vice president of development  for Tulane University.

“Perrilliat has raised funds for the arts, education and health care, a broad background which is perfect for this new multi-tasking position,” said Laura Beall, assistant vice president for development at UT Dallas. 

Volunteering in the community is also a part of her resume.  Perrilliat is a member of the Junior League of Dallas and is involved with the Interfaith Housing Coalition, which has given her a special insight into the city’s philanthropic community.  Her first career, however, was in business development, communications and licensing with the Tommy Hilfiger Corporation in New York City.

“I am delighted to join the fantastic team here at UT Dallas,” Perrilliat said. “It is such an exciting time for the school, and I am thrilled to be part of it.”

In the past year, the University has hired five chief development officers to raise major gifts and increase corporate support and annual giving by its alumni.  The effort is part of the University’s strategic plan to increase its endowment by $350 million over ten years.

Perrilliat has a bachelor of arts in politics from Washington and Lee University and a master’s degree in arts administration from the University of New Orleans.