Click here to view a video "Introduction of Claire".
“…each of us is responsible in the human community for assuring that the principles embedded in our founding documents actually are the life experiences of our brothers and sisters in this country and around the world…”
- Claire Gaudiani, Loomis Chaffee Address , June 4, 1999
Claire Gaudiani is an idealist and an activist. Her writings call on colleagues, students, and fellow citizens to leave the world a better place. Her work life puts these aspirations into practice as a scholar/teacher, community developer, director, trustee, and engaged American. See Claire's Short Bio.
Gaudiani Today
Gaudiani is currently Clinical Professor of Philanthropy at The George H. Heyman, Jr. Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising at New York University. She directs the Master's Program in Philanthropic Studies and teaches graduate courses on The Economic History of American Philanthropy, and The Role of Women in Philanthropy, among others.
She serves as a corporate director, a university trustee, and board member of many social profit organizations. She advocates the importance of philanthropy as a social and economic force in America through her speaking and writing. In addition, she maintains an active consulting practice on fundraising, family philanthropy, and corporate governance issues through Gaudiani Associates.
Among many honors, Gaudiani is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She holds ten honorary doctorates, and the Henry Rosso Medal for distinguished service to philanthropy from the Center for Philanthopy at Indiana University.
From 2001-2004, Dr. Gaudiani was a Senior Research Scholar at the Yale University Law School where she completed The Greater Good, her provocative documentation of the role of philanthropy in American economic prosperity. Some highlights of her earlier career as a college president and community developer are noted below.
Some Personal Insights About Claire
Claire is deeply rooted in her Italian American heritage,her Roman Catholic faith, and her liberal arts education. She has drawn inspiration from a large, close knit family of many accomplishments beginning at the turn of the last century when her two grandfathers emigrated from Italy to pursue medical careers (see Of Cheese and Choices). She is also a proud patriot, the daughter of a West Point graduate, fighter pilot, and POW in Japan. She is married to David Burnett, PhD, her partner in Gaudiani Associates, and they have two grown children, and three grandchildren.
Claire is inspired by leaders such as Mother Cabrini and Elie Wiesel, who have drawn courage to lead change from their religious and intellectual convictions. Claire has written about some of these formative influences in her life in the Preface to The Greater Good and Confessions of a 35 Year Old Middle Linebacker, and in the DeGoubeau Lecture delivered at Yale University in 2003.
Click here for more information about Claire, including her career achievements and life as a College President.