UW News

October 16, 1996

John Idstrom named director of development at the University of Washington, Tacoma

News and Information

University of Washington, Tacoma Dean Vicky L. Carwein today announced the appointment of John Idstrom as Director of Development, effective Oct. 21, 1996.

Idstrom has served since 1993 as account executive for The Collins Group, a fund-raising consulting group in Seattle. His responsibilities included campaign strategy, board training, volunteer and staff management, public relations and planned giving management for public and private organizations.

“We are very fortunate to have John Idstrom assume this key position in the UWT administration. As we look enthusiastically to the future of the University of Washington, Tacoma, he will provide leadership for our move into the fund-raising arena. We are very excited about the talents and expertise John will bring to UWT in assisting us to meet the challenges of building the campus for the 21st century,” Dean Carwein said.

At The Collins Group, Idstrom was responsible for the successful capital campaign for Blanchet High School’s new Media Resource Center and Campus Athletic Facility. He also recently completed a $1,000,000 campaign for the Center for Human Services north of Seattle.

Prior to his position at The Collins Group, Idstrom worked at the University of Washington, Seattle, as Director of Development for Meany Hall for the Performing Arts. He has also served in the development area for a professional international touring performance ensemble and the University of Minnesota.

Idstrom has a bachelor’s degree in English literature from the University of Minnesota.

Currently a resident of the south Puget Sound area, Idstrom stated that he is excited about “the opportunity to both help the UWT fulfill its educational mission and participate in the re-emergence of one of the region’s most important cities.”

The Director of Development is the University’s chief fund- raising officer, responsible for the strategic management of major gifts campaigns, annual and long range fund raising programs, and capital campaigns. The Director of Development also has major responsibilities for representing the University in political, business and civic affairs.