Michael S. LaFrankie

Michael LaFrankie joined Duquesne University as Senior Vice President for University Advancement in August 2025. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing Major, Planned and Annual Giving, Alumni Engagement, and support functions including Advancement Communications, Advancement Operations, Advancement Services, Donor Relations, Prospect Research and Conference and Event Services.

LaFrankie brings more than three decades of distinguished experience in fundraising, executive leadership, and strategic advancement, with a particular emphasis on higher education philanthropy.

LaFrankie came to Duquesne from the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Health System, where he served as Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences Individual Giving and Alumni Relations. There, he led transformative fundraising efforts including securing the largest individual gift in UPMC’s history—$65 million in support for capital projects—and a $45 million gift to establish a new research center at Pitt’s School of Medicine. At Pitt and UPMC, he managed a team of more than 70 professionals and oversaw fundraising efforts across 27 hospitals and 14 community foundations. Under his leadership, annual fundraising increased by 60 percent over five years, and innovative programs such as the Physician Champion initiative and a restructured grateful patient fundraising model were implemented.

LaFrankie previously held leadership roles at the United Way of Allegheny County and the Boy Scouts of America, where he was nationally recognized for creative approaches to fundraising and community engagement. He holds a master’s degree in public policy and management from the University of Pittsburgh and a bachelor’s degree in communications from California University of Pennsylvania.