Elise M. Betz

Elise has spent her career in higher education at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Her tenure started with the annual fund, The Penn Fund, where she saw the opportunity to develop “Penn Traditions: Building Our Community,” a comprehensive student philanthropy and engagement program. Elise’s work in this area changed the culture at Penn and has had a significant impact on alumni giving, engagement, service, and leadership. Elise now serves as Senior Executive Director in the central Alumni Relations Office and manages a collection of the institution’s alumni relations efforts, including communications, lifelong learning, student and young alumni programs, first–generation alumni programs, and programs centering cultural, ethnic, gender, sexual, and multiple identities. Elise leads three intentional leadership pipelines for Penn focusing on women, alumni of color, and LGBTQ+ alumni so that all leadership structures have diverse voices at the table. Elise’s commitment to anti-racism and oppression and justice is a guiding light in all areas of her work and life. Elise presents at advancement conferences across the country and has consulted with numerous institutions on the growing and integral field of alumni relations.