6/25/2018

Wilmington, Del. – Widener University Delaware Law School is pleased to announce that Julie Topkis Nason has joined the administration as director of development.

Topkis Nason has more than 30 years of experience in philanthropy in the Delaware and greater Philadelphia regions. She comes to Delaware Law School with impressive experience in development and advancement, civic engagement, and business.

“We are thrilled Julie has joined us,” said Delaware Law School Dean Rod Smolla. “With her considerable talents, experience and community engagement, she is a tremendous asset to Delaware Law School.”

Topkis Nason will oversee Delaware Law School’s efforts to raise funds to support and enhance excellence in education for students. Nason started in the new position on April 30.

“It is an honor to join Delaware Law School,” Topkis Nason said. “I look forward to connecting with the people that make the law school a special place. These partnerships will help as we pursue ambitious goals for the law school.”

Topkis Nason is owner and president of Nason Construction as well as JTN Development LLC. She was previously chief advancement officer for Tower Hill School in Wilmington, the vice president of philanthropy for Mercy Health System in Philadelphia, senior vice president for external affairs and marketing of the St. Francis Foundation at St. Francis Hospital, director of annual giving at the Tatnall School, and associate director of development at the Wilmington Friends School.

Her many civic leadership roles include chair of the Development Committee for the Downtown Visions Board of Directors, member of the Development Committee for the Wilmington Renaissance Corporation Board of Directors, board member of the Rodney Street Tennis Association, finance co-chair for Delaware Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester’s past campaign, committee member of Christiana Care Health System’s Leadership Council for Heart and Vascular, trustee of The Grand Opera House, and trustee of the Delaware Community Foundation.

Topkis Nason holds a bachelor of science in health and human development from Penn State University.

Topkis Nason lives in Centreville, Delaware.

The only law school in the state, Delaware Law School is enmeshed in Delaware's unique legal culture which prizes civility and respect within the bench and bar. Delaware's preeminence in corporate law, bankruptcy, and intellectual property, combined with the Law School's influential presence in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, give students abundant opportunities for clerkships, externships, pro bono experiences, and permanent employment after graduation. With specialized programs in health law and regulatory compliance and ethics, Delaware Law School leads the way in formalized compliance education.