Gaudiani examined American prosperity from the Constitution to the New Economy bust. Rather than pitting the capitalists against the populists, Gaudiani brings both sides to the table to reseal this fundamental social contract and provide a blueprint for a just future. She wants those of us in the field to be able to use this knowledge in our case statements and board presentations so we can energize both giving and problem solving in our local settings.

For additional information go to Claire's website.

Speaker Bio

Claire L. Gaudiani is currently a Professor at The George H. Heyman, Jr. Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising at New York University's School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Prior to accepting this position, Dr. Gaudiani was a Senior Research Scholar at the Yale Law School where she worked to complete a book entitled The Greater Good: How Philanthropy Drives the American Economy and Can Save Capitalism. This book, published by New York Times-Henry Holt, with a September 10, 2003 publication date, addresses a wide audience with stories from American history, and data and survey results that illustrate the book's thesis: that Americans are not generous because we are rich, but rich because we are generous.

Dr. Gaudiani served for 13 years as President of Connecticut College. Under her leadership from 1988-2001, Connecticut College quintupled its endowment and rose in the influential U.S. News and World Report survey from No. 41 to the mid-20's. Applications for admission rose a total of 40 percent over the last five years. A Decade of Achievement sets forth the achievements of Connecticut College people, programs, and policies from 1988-1998, under Dr. Gaudiani's leadership.

Dr. Gaudiani served for five years as the volunteer president of the non-profit New London Development Corporation and remains on the Board of the corporation, which is dedicated to building the tax base, creating jobs and improving the quality of life for all citizens of New London. Since 1997, this corporation has worked with the City Council, the State of Connecticut, Pfizer, Inc., and many citizens and developers. Pfizer opened its new $300 million Global Research & Development Facility on June 8, 2001 adding 2,100 jobs and a dramatic change to New London's tax base. The NLDC has received an Annie E. Casey Foundation grant (among other funds) to support its Social Justice initiatives to improve early and K-8 education after-school programs, housing, and job-readiness for New London's citizens.

Dr. Gaudiani holds a Ph.D. and master's degree in French literature from Indiana University and a bachelor's degree, also in French, from Connecticut College. She has served on the boards of numerous for-profit and not-for-profit enterprises including the The Henry Luce Foundation, MBIA Inc., the Shubert Theatre, the Connecticut Center for School Change, Connecticut Legal Services Advisory Board, Public Radio International, and Citizens Bank. She is a trustee of WPI (Worcester Polytechnic Institute.)  She was elected a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and was also elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and as a fellow of the PBK Society. She was also elected to the Century Association. She has received ten honorary doctorates.

Dr. Gaudiani is the author of six books and monographs and more than 80 articles. She is a frequent speaker both nationally and internationally on topics related to education, philanthropy, ethics, and the role of colleges in civil society.