The University of Dayton recently announced that Chris Morrison, the vice president for advancement, will retire on January 12. After 13 years of dedicated service, Morrison leaves behind a significant legacy.
Under his leadership, the “We Soar” campaign raised an impressive $453 million, surpassing its goal by over $50 million. This achievement is the largest fundraising effort in the University’s history. President Eric F. Spina praised Morrison’s impact, saying, “His hard work and ability to inspire our team were crucial to our success.”
Morrison, a proud alumnus, returned to UD in 2012 as a consultant, then became an employee in 2013. Before joining UD, he had a 27-year career in sales and leadership. His commitment to re-engaging alumni and nurturing the UD spirit has been remarkable. He believes in the mission of the Catholic, Marianist community and has fostered a strong culture of giving back.
Reflecting on his time at UD, Morrison shared, “Working for UD has shown me how many lives our institution has affected—countless students and alumni are better for their UD experience. I hope the culture of giving continues to grow.”
Even after retirement, Morrison will continue to support the University in a part-time role, maintaining important relationships he’s built.
Kim Longo, currently the assistant vice president for advancement, will step in as interim vice president starting January 12. This move aims to keep the momentum in UD’s advancement efforts strong.
For more context, it’s worth considering the rising trend in university fundraising. According to a recent survey from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, higher education institutions raised $49.5 billion in 2021 alone, highlighting the ever-growing importance of alumni contributions. This trend showcases the power of dedicated leaders in creating effective campaigns that resonate with the alumni community.
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