Penn Dental Medicine’s Office of Institutional Advancement is your alumni relations and development team comprised of professionals with expertise in alumni relations, fundraising, special events, corporate relations, communications, and continuing education. We are a resource from the moment students arrive on campus to long after they graduate.
Although we each have focused initiatives, our team works together to find the best ways to connect, support and serve our alumni throughout their lives!
Brian joined the team in 2025 and leads the Development and Alumni Relations team working closely with the Dean, Board of Advisors, and partners across University Development and Alumni relations to advance fundraising efforts in support of the School of Dental Medicine’s strategic priorities. Before coming to Penn, Brian served as the Senior Director of Development at the University of Delaware. He also spent more than 11 years at Swarthmore college, where he held several roles, including three years as Director of Individual Giving. A dedicated and passionate fundraiser, Brian holds a bachelor’s degree from Gettysburg College and master’s degree in Education Leadership and Development from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Maren joined Penn Dental Medicine in 2010. Her key role is to raise funds by creating a community of supporters from our alumni and friends. She manages the of Board of Advisors and helps to recruit members for the Dean’s Council and Alumni Society. She is also the main liaison for our corporate partners; managing the relationships to create lasting partnerships with Penn Dental in support of our educational mission.
Maren is located in the Dean’s Suite, first floor of the Evans Building. She hopes to be a touchstone for residents of our specialty programs in their endeavors by connecting them with alumni and friends through events, receptions, and one-on-one interactions. She is also a helpful resource for alumni who are looking for an associates or want to re-connect with fellow alumni globally.
Contact Maren:
gaughan@upenn.edu
215-898-8952
Sarah joined Penn Dental Medicine in 2010 and currently oversees the school’s alumni relations and annual giving efforts. Sarah is directly involved with recruitment and management of the Penn Dental Medicine Alumni Society Executive Board in; and works closely with the School’s Dean’s Council and Board of Overseers. As one of our road warriors, she is a resource for connecting with alumni and truly enjoys helping facilitate introductions between alumni as well as between alumni and students.
Sarah is located in the Dean’s Suite, first floor of the Evans Building. Reach out with questions about how to get involved with Penn Dental Medicine including volunteer and philanthropic opportunities as well as for help facilitating networking, mentoring, or career introductions. Sarah can also answer questions related to Find a Penn Dentist, Take a Seat, and the Alumni Scholars Program.
Contact Sarah:
sburton@upenn.edu
215-898-3542
Lindsay joined Penn Dental Medicine in 2014. Though her primary focus is managing the School’s annual giving fundraising efforts, she also supports initiatives related to the current DMD student body and young alumni engagement.
Lindsay is located in the Dean’s Suite, first floor of the Evans Building. Reach out for assistance involving alumni with student club efforts or student events; facilitating fundraising initiatives like the Oral Cancer Walk; or questions about the Alumni Mentoring Program.
Contact Lindsay:
lhonzak@upenn.edu
215-898-8023
Dom began his career at Penn Dental Medicine in 2021 as the Development Coordinator after working with College Houses and Academic Services as a House Coordinator across campus. In his role, Dom oversees all of Penn Dental Medicine’s social media accounts and posts. In addition to working on social media, he also handles logistics and administrative processes for gifts made to Penn Dental Medicine, as well as assists with communications for Institutional Advancement events working with alumni, students, and faculty.
Dom is located in the Dean’s Executive Suite, located on the first floor of the Evans Building. He is happy to help with social media relations, communications, alumni relations, or gift-giving.
Contact Dom:
dtgaeta@upenn.edu
215-898-8951
Matt Breen is a seasoned Project Manager with extensive experience in Trade Shows, Conferences, and Specialized Marketing Events. His career spans over two decades, including significant roles at major companies such as RELX, LexisNexis Risk Solutions, and Elsevier. Matt has demonstrated expertise in producing successful in-person, virtual, and hybrid events, negotiating contracts, managing finances, coordinating event logistics, and implementing cutting-edge industry technologies. Matt’s experience also encompasses working across various disciplines and departments, managing global projects, and maintaining stakeholder relationships at all levels.
Contact Matt:
breen1@upenn.edu
(215) 898-9098