Parkland College Welcomes New Foundation Executive Director

Wilberg replaces Wahlfeldt, who will retire April 30

Parkland College welcomes Danielle Wilberg as the new Associate Vice President for Development/Executive Director of the Parkland College Foundation, beginning April 1.

Wilberg is a seasoned higher education advancement leader with 20 years of nonprofit fundraising experience. Most recently serving as Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at the University of Illinois School of Information Sciences, she has held key roles in major gift fundraising, alumni engagement, corporate relations, and strategic campaign planning at multiple institutions across central Illinois. She is returning to Parkland College, having previously served as the college's Associate Director of Annual Fund and Alumni Relations. Wilberg is committed to expanding philanthropic impact and advancing Parkland's mission of accessible, high-quality education.

"Parkland College is so privileged to have had Tracy Wahlfeldt serve as the executive director of our Foundation," Parkland President Dr. Pam Lau said. "Tracy centered her work on student success to further the mission of the college. We wish her the very best as she transitions into her next season of life. The college is very excited to have Danielle assume the leadership of the Foundation. We are confident that she will build upon Tracy's strong legacy and take fundraising at Parkland to new levels."

Wilberg replaces Wahlfeldt, who will retire April 30.

"I have loved my time at Parkland College," Wahlfeldt said. "I appreciate the opportunity afforded to me by the Parkland College Foundation Board and the Board of Trustees to join the Parkland team in 2018. It has been a wonderful experience working alongside such dedicated administrators, faculty, and staff who focus daily on student success."

During Wahlfeldt's time as executive director, she oversaw the implementation of an online scholarship application system, making access to scholarships easier for students to apply for; the increase in scholarships awarded from 450 to 560 and an increase in the value of those awards from $419,881 to $567,510; an increase of Foundation assets from $11.1 million to $19.5 million; and the establishment of the Women of Impact event.

Wahlfeldt added: "I am especially thankful to all the donors who prioritize education when giving so generously to support students’ dreams. Helping students achieve their educational goals has been the highlight of my career. I will always be #Parkland Proud.”