University of Redlands Welcomes New Members to its Board of Trustees

REDLANDS, California, June 30, 2025—The University of Redlands is pleased to announce the appointment of several distinguished leaders from across the United States to the Board of Trustees, effective July 1, 2025.  
 
“We are fortunate these accomplished individuals are willing to devote their time and considerable expertise to guide our University as we realize our vision to lead California in providing a student-focused, personalized education that drives student success,” said University of Redlands President Krista Newkirk. “We have a bright future ahead of us, and our trustees will be strong partners and leaders as we work to accomplish our ambitious goals.”
 
University of Redlands Board of Trustees Chair Jim Ashby added, “I look forward to serving with these new trustees. Each brings a wealth of professional and personal experience to the Board. Our Redlands alumni trustees offer insight rooted in their student experiences, while our incoming Presidio Graduate School trustees have already been valued partners as we completed our recent merger. I am confident that together they will further strengthen our collective commitment to supporting President Newkirk and guiding Redlands successfully into the future.” 

New trustees:  

Allan Arendsee ’84

Allan is Chairman and CEO of Brandy Investments, the entity that oversees and administers the assets of the Arendsee family, which are primarily focused on multi-family properties in the Dallas-Fort Worth and Nashville markets.  
Prior to his current role, Allan served as chairman of the board of Seacoast Commerce Bank, which was acquired by Enterprise Bank and Trust in late 2020. He was a founder and director of two other prior banks as well. He was also President of A.W. Arendsee Real Estate, a commercial real estate brokerage firm.   
Allan earned a degree in economics, with a minor in business administration from the University of Redlands in 1984. He later received his Master of Science in Executive Leadership from the University of San Diego. 

Allan has remained closely connected to the University of Redlands through his involvement with the Alumni Board, Young Alumni Committee, and RAAP. In 1994, the Alumni Association honored him with the Ray Whitmus Award in recognition of his leadership, professional achievement, and commitment to both the community and the University.

Christine Benninger ’73

Chris joined Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) in 2014, and under her leadership, the organization has tripled its annual fundraising, expanded its programs to include orientation and mobility training and a companion dog program for visually impaired children, and advocated for GDB’s visually impaired communities. In 2021, she was elected to the International Guide Dog Federation Board.

Prior to joining GDB, Chris spent 17 years leading the Humane Society Silicon Valley. During her tenure, she led a progressive approach that saved the lives of tens of thousands of animals and significantly reduced pet overpopulation in Santa Clara County. Under her leadership, the organization was also able to raise $25.5 million to build The Animal Community Center – the first facility of its kind in the country.
  
Chris began her career as an auditor with Arthur Andersen and later spent 15 years at Hewlett Packard, where she held managerial roles in both the U.S. and Europe. 

Chris earned a degree in mathematics from the University of Redlands in 1973 and an MBA from Stanford University in 1978.

Patricia Donahue Ph.D. ’74

Pat is a widely respected scholar in the field of writing studies, with work focused on reading theories and pedagogical histories. She joined Lafayette’s Department of English as an assistant professor in 1985, earned tenure and promotion to associate professor in 1992, and became a full professor in 2004. Now retired, her impact continues to be felt across the College.

Pat was one of six faculty members who helped design and teach Lafayette’s first iteration of the First-Year Seminar, and she worked extensively with colleagues across disciplines to develop effective writing assignments for entering students. She also founded the College Writing Program, a nationally recognized program, and served as the director until 2008.

Outside of academia, Pat enjoys showing her prized bichon Frise, RJ, at dog shows. RJ has won multiple championships and is currently ranked #1 in the American Kennel Club Owner-Handled Series for his breed.

She graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in comparative literature and philosophy from the University of Redlands in 1974. She also holds a master’s degree and Ph.D. in English literature and theory from the University of California, Irvine.

Robin Quinville ’78

Most recently, Robin was the Director of the Wilson Center’s Global Europe Program. She brings over 30 years of experience as a U.S. diplomat, with a career focused primarily on Europe. Her postings included assignments to two multilateral organizations—the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and NATO—as well as bilateral roles in Cyprus, Bosnia, Greece, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

She has also traveled extensively, serving as a director of the Office of Western European Affairs at the Department of State and spent a year as a Wilson Center State Department fellow. Most recently, she was the Charge d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Berlin, Germany. She returned to the Wilson Center following a semester as the Sol M. Linowitz Visiting Professor of International Affairs at Hamilton College in Clinton, New York.

Robin earned her bachelor’s degree in history and comparative literature from the University of Redlands, where she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and participated in the Salzburg program. She recently returned to Redlands to speak at the April 2024 Redlands Forum, offering insights on the evolving nature of diplomacy in a rapidly changing, networked world.

Incoming Presidio Trustees:

Suzanne Farver

Suzanne has served on the Board of Directors with Presidio Graduate School since January 2012 and as chair since 2021 before stepping into her role as chair of the Finance Committee.

Suzanne is the owner of and winemaker at Panther Ridge Vineyard, an organic and biodynamic vineyard in Sonoma County. Prior to this, Suzanne was an instructor at Harvard University Extension School, where she developed course materials for graduate courses in corporate sustainability strategies. Her previous roles included director of outreach with Rocky Mountain Climate Organization and executive director with the Aspen Art Museum. 

In addition to her professional work, Suzanne has volunteered with Canine Companions for Independence, a nonprofit that provides expertly trained service and facility dogs at no cost.

Suzanne holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Grinnell College, a JD from the University of Denver, and an ALM in environmental management from Harvard University. At Grinnell, she was a Phi Beta Kappa member and served as Mortar Board president.

Warren Fox

Warren served on the Board of Directors for Presidio Graduate School. He has deep ties to the University of Redlands as both of his parents were alumni, graduating with the Classes of 1937 and 1938.

Warren currently serves as a professor emeritus at the University of Nevada, a consultant, and an adviser in higher education. Previously, he served as Chief of Higher Education for the Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority in the United Arab Emirates and Executive Director of the Office of Higher Education, Policy, and Planning for the UAE’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. He was the longest-serving Executive Director of the California Postsecondary Education Commission.

Warren holds a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California’s School of Policy, Planning, and Development and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California, Berkeley.

Incoming President of the Alumni Board:

James Benanti ’99 ’05 

James currently serves as the interim principal of Judson and Brown Elementary School. He recently served as an Assistant Principal at Redlands High School, where he oversaw athletics, facilities, and maintenance. Prior to that, he spent 19 years as the Director of Instrumental Music at RHS. Under his leadership, the instrumental program tripled in size and remains the largest co-curricular program on campus. 

He is an active adjudicator with the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association and a longtime member of the San Bernardino County Music Educators’ Association. He served as president from 2008 to 2010, guest conducted for the Middle School Honor Orchestra in 2015, and the Middle School Honor Band in 2022.

In addition to his work in education, James has also directed professional performances at the California Theatre for the Performing Arts in San Bernardino and has served as the music director and conductor of the Redlands Community Orchestra Redlands since 2013.

James received his bachelor’s degree in music education, his teaching credential, and his master’s degree in music education from the University of Redlands. While at Redlands, he was involved in numerous student organizations, including the band, orchestra, University Choir, Mortar Board, Music Club, Phi Mu Alpha, Sigma Kappa Alpha, and the Salzburg Semester. He is currently President-Elect of the Alumni Association and a past president of Town & Gown.

James also earned his Administrative Services Credential from California State University, San Bernardino, and has served as adjunct faculty at both the University of Redlands and California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.