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Photo by Sarah Matarella, M.A. '22

�첥����’s eighth president, Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D., made history as the institution’s first female lay leader. Now, in another historic first, she joyfully introduces her husband, David Rifkind, as �첥����’s inaugural first gentleman.

A seasoned legal executive and lifelong community volunteer, David brings a spirit of service and mentorship that resonates with �첥����’s mission and values. Together, they share a love for education, the arts, and the transformative power of community.

Q&A with First Gentleman David Rifkind

By: Sarah Matarella, M.A. '22

Q: How do you feel about adding “first gentleman” to your resume? 

A: “Being able to partner with Glynis and represent the university as its first gentleman has been both deeply fulfilling and genuinely fun. Having a role in advancing the university’s mission—to serve the underserved, collaborate with community partners to revitalize downtown Reading, and explore new opportunities for growth—is truly rewarding. One of my favorite memories is from the day we got engaged. Earlier in the day we attended a concert here and had the opportunity to sit with several of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters. They were so delighted to hear about my proposal plans and encouraged me with their characteristic warmth. When we returned after the wedding, they welcomed me with open arms into the �첥���� family.”

Q: What do you do for a living and how does that translate to the �첥���� community?

��: “The company I work for, Caidya, is a global clinical research organization dedicated to advancing oncology research and improving cancer patient outcomes. So, I say I get up every morning helping people who are trying to cure cancer. That's the best thing about my job. But what is also really cool is the opportunity here through the Berks Biomedical Innovation Collaboration, started by the O’Pake Institute, to grow the biomedical business in Berks County. The forces are here in Greater Reading to make it happen, and it's great to be a part of that alongside O’Pake and �첥����.”

Q: What �첥���� tradition or event are you most looking forward to participating in? 

A: “This summer, the bell at Cedar Hill Farms was lovingly restored. With its renewal, Glynis and I hope to begin a meaningful new tradition: for each class of first-year students to come and ring the bell as they embark on their journey as members of the �첥���� family. Then, four years later, as graduates preparing to give back through their senior class gift, they’ll return to ring it once more—celebrating how far they’ve come and the community that shaped them. Bells have always carried deep significance for Glynis, symbolizing reflection, renewal, and connection. To grow that tradition together—linking the sound of the bell to the hopes and achievements of generations of �첥����ns—feels both joyful and deeply humbling.”

Photos by Adam Pivirotto. President Fitzgerald and the First Gentleman harvesting potatoes at Saint Francis Day of Service.

Q: How do you hope to leave your mark on �첥���� alongside President Fitzgerald? 

A: “The mark I hope to leave is one of support—of being a steady, positive force alongside the President. Together, we are still shaping what that role looks like, but at its heart, it’s about being there for students and for the broader �첥���� community. I want to help create connections and open doors for students, drawing on my own experiences as a corporate attorney to offer guidance and perspective. I’m also eager to collaborate with the O’Pake Institute to explore new ways we can engage more businesses and community partners in �첥����’s mission.”

Q: What is something about you that people might be surprised to learn?  

A:  “For more than ten years, I had the joy of serving as Santa Claus through the Santa’s Gift program. People would often ask—since I’m Jewish—“What’s the connection?” But that was exactly what made it meaningful. Because it is not my holiday, I was free on Christmas Day to visit hospitals with bags of teddy bears in hand. Over fifteen years, we visited more than 5,000 children in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, bringing a little light and laughter to kids spending the holidays in hospital rooms. What made it even more special was bringing my children and other high school and college students along as Santa’s elves. They witnessed firsthand what it means to give back—to see the impact of kindness, to recognize their own blessings, and to understand that service is about showing up for others when it matters most.”

Q: How do you and President Fitzgerald enjoy spending time together? 

A: “We love doing so many things together. I’m a big sports fan, so we’ve enjoyed cheering on �첥����’s basketball, hockey, football, baseball and field hockey teams—and it was a real highlight to watch the men’s wrestling team advance to the NCAA Division III National Championships. We generally root for the same team, but it can get interesting when it’s the Eagles versus the Buffalo Bills! Our shared joy though goes far beyond sports. We both care deeply about the arts and about serving our community. Whether it’s potato picking for the Saint Francis Day of Service, attending a performance by the Reading Symphony Orchestra—where Glynis proudly serves on the board—or spending time with board members, students, alumni, and community partners, each experience connects us more deeply to �첥����’s spirit and to one another. At the heart of it all, it is a true joy to share this journey together celebrating the moments, the mission, and the community that make �첥���� so special.

Photo by Sarah Matarella, M.A. '22. President Fitzgerald and the First Gentleman on the Turf Field.