Laura J. Alber, C'90, and Ned Klingelhofer Endow Professorship

Laura J. Alber, C'90, and Ned Klingelhofer, parents, have made a gift to establish the Alber-Klingelhofer Presidential Professorship to be held by a faculty member in Penn Arts & Sciences.

Presidential Professorships are awarded to exceptional scholars, selected on the basis of their achievements, with an emphasis on enhancing the diversity of Penn’s faculty. Presidential Professors enrich the academic community and bring new perspectives to our students and faculty.

“Laura and Ned’s thoughtful gift will provide the resources needed to recruit and retain dynamic faculty at the College,” says Penn President Amy Gutmann. “It is critically important that our professors represent diverse backgrounds and perspectives who can then share their knowledge and challenge our students to think critically.  We appreciate Laura and Ned’s desire to support our core academic teaching and research mission, which will greatly benefit our students and ensure that they are stronger and more dynamic leaders when they embark on their futures.”

“In honor of my 30th reunion, we wanted to make a gift that would really have an impact,” says Alber. “Faculty members are leading scholars, but they also can create transformative experiences in the classroom. Making this gift is an expression of appreciation for my Penn Arts & Sciences education and an investment in learning for future generations of students.”

“I’m grateful for Laura and Ned’s continued partnership,” says Steven J. Fluharty, Dean and Thomas S. Gates Jr. Professor of Psychology, Pharmacology, and Neuroscience. “Advancing Faculty Distinction is a key priority in the Power of Penn Arts & Sciences Campaign. The Alber-Klingelhofer Presidential Professorship will be held by an outstanding member of our diverse group of dynamic, collaborative scholars.”

Alber graduated from the College of Arts & Sciences in 1990 with a degree in psychology. She is a University Trustee, a member of the Parent Leadership Committee, and a member of the Executive Committee of the Penn Arts & Sciences Board of Overseers.  Alber is Chief Executive Officer, President, and Director of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Klingelhofer is a portfolio manager at Bitterroot Enterprises and a member of the Parent Leadership Committee. Alber and Klingelhofer’s previous Penn support includes the Alber-Klingelhofer Scholarship, the Ronald O. Perelman Center for Political Science and Economics, the Arts & Sciences Annual Fund, and Athletics.