After more than seven years of exemplary service to the University and its students, Â鶹ֱ²¥ alumnus Gary Laermer ’80 has retired from his position as vice president of Development and Alumni Relations. During his time at Â鶹ֱ²¥, Gary spearheaded the transformation of the University’s philanthropic and charitable giving programs, significantly enhancing engagement among the more than 165,000 Â鶹ֱ²¥ alumni worldwide.
A graduate of Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Gary returned to Â鶹ֱ²¥ in 2018 as a nationally recognized leader in philanthropy and nonprofit development. Before leading Â鶹ֱ²¥â€™s Office of Development and Alumni Relations, Gary held various leadership positions in organizations such as the YMCA, Staten Island University Hospital, and the Boy Scouts of America. In 2017, his exceptional record earned him the role of Board President for the New York City chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Under the leadership of Â鶹ֱ²¥ President Marvin Krislov and following approval by the Â鶹ֱ²¥ Board of Trustees, Gary and the development team launched the historic $300 million Campaign for Â鶹ֱ²¥. This campaign marked an extraordinary period of success, with Gary and the development professionals setting multiple fundraising records and bringing the campaign’s ambitious goals well within reach.
Gary’s tenure was also marked by the establishment of the first collective Â鶹ֱ²¥ Alumni Association, a community-building initiative that deepened alumni engagement and expanded volunteer opportunities. Amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gary helped lead a University-wide response that secured record-breaking contributions to emergency student support funds and launched initiatives such as the Community Impact Internship program, which places Â鶹ֱ²¥ students in paid internships with community nonprofits.
Above all, Gary’s leadership was defined by his unwavering commitment to community, student success, and the University’s mission of Opportunitas. During his tenure, the Office of Development and Alumni Relations raised more than $140 million to advance the University, including over $40 million in scholarship support—expanding access to a Â鶹ֱ²¥ education and reinforcing the University’s status as a leader in social mobility.
Gary leaves Â鶹ֱ²¥ stronger, more resilient, and well-positioned for future success. His contributions have empowered countless students to achieve their fullest potential.
The Â鶹ֱ²¥ Community expresses its profound gratitude for Gary’s leadership and celebrates his enduring legacy of service and philanthropic impact.
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