Kathleen A. McDonnell, a career counselor in Penn Law’s Office of Career Planning and Professionalism, died unexpectedly on November 13 at the age of 66.

“Kathy was a breath of fresh air to all who knew her,” said Ted Ruger, Dean of the Law School. “For a generation of Penn Law students interested in prosecutorial and other government positions, she has been guide, connector, and muse. Her positivity and zest infused all she did, making her an exceptional colleague and friend.”

Ms. McDonnell joined Penn Law in 2011 after serving as Chief of the Legislation Unit in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office from 2006-2011, where she had been Assistant Chief since 1987. Prior to 1987, she served Philadelphia as an Assistant District Attorney in the Appeals Unit. While at the District Attorney’s Office, she served as Chairperson for the Hiring Committee for 20 years until her departure, hiring a generation of ADA for the City. She also worked in the City Solicitor’s Office.  

Prior to her government service, Ms. McDonnell worked for Fox, Rothschild, O’Brien and Frankel and clerked for the Honorable Carolyn Engle Temin, L’58. She graduated summa cum laude in 1976 with a BS from the Temple University School of Social Administration and received her law degree from the Temple University School of Law in 1980.

“Kathy McDonnell was simply unique,” said Jo-Ann Verrier, vice dean for Administrative Services at Penn Law. “I first met her when I joined the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office in the Appeals Division, where she took me under her wing–and what a wing that was. When she agreed, after a decade of my pestering, to join Penn Law’s Career Planning Office, I rejoiced, knowing she would bring to the Office an optimistic energy and serve individual students with her forthright honesty and unflappable positivity. Kathy made people around her better at what they did. Under her wing, you put your aspirations to the test and, with her creating the draft, found yourself more than able. We will rely on what she has taught us as we miss her most dearly.”    

She is survived by her husband, Don Van Winkle, their son, Major Van Winkle, two sisters, Millie and Reenie, and a nephew, Jameson. Penn Law will plan a celebration of Ms. McDonnell’s life for January.