The School of Engineering welcomed seasoned journalist and successful UConn fundraiser Donald Swinton to its development team.

Mr. Swinton brings extensive experience to his new role. During his two years at the UConn Foundation, he has been instrumental in the creation of a professorship and several scholarships and fellowships across the University.

His news career spans 25 years within some of the most highly respected news outlets in the world. At The Associated Press, Mr. Swinton supervised the World Desk and oversaw news production that reached more than a billion people each day. He reported, edited and coordinated coverage on events including the fall of communism in Europe, the first Gulf War and the indictment of Panamanian Gen. Manuel Noriega. He has worked from bureaus in Europe, Miami and the United Nations.

Later, at BridgeNews (formerly Knight-Ridder Financial), he oversaw the quality and delivery of financial news sold to investment professionals around the world. He also drove the company’s effort to automate delivery of industry-specific news via the Internet.

His move from the bustling New York City to Storrs was precipitated by his wife’s acceptance of a job offer at UConn. Dr. Shareen Hertel holds a joint appointment in the Department of Political Science and Human Rights Institute.

Mr. Swinton will share development duties with Director of Engineering Development Christopher Joliat.