Syracuse University promotes Merrihew to new development post

Syracuse University promotes Merrihew to newdevelopment postSeptember 17, 2003Matthew R. Snydermrsnyder@syr.edu

Syracuse University has appointed Charles P. Merrihew assistant vice president for leadership gifts in Institutional Advancement. With more than 20 years of financial, management and planning experience, Merrihew is a key recruit in the University’s charge to cultivate and involve leadership donors.

In the newly-created position, Merrihew will work closely with Tom Walsh, vice president of leadership gifts, in fostering a culture of philanthropy at SU and in coordination of unit activities and long-range plans.

“Chuck has long been a dynamic advocate for this University and for its students. His energy and commitment will now help SU secure the much-needed resources that are vital to realizing our vision.” says Chancellor and President Kenneth A. Shaw.

In addition to helping Walsh set unit goals and long range plans for Leadership Gifts, Merrihew will work with development officers, deans, vice presidents and others on SU’s next major capital campaign. Merrihew will be responsible for ensuring that strategic collaboration, resource identification, and design and delivery of development programs and events are aligned with campaign objectives.

John Sellars, senior vice president for institutional advancement, notes that Merrihew’s longtime association with SU will be a boon to the campaign. “Chuck knows very well the challenges and opportunities SU navigates, and he helped us meet them very successfully in his years here. We are confident that his skills and experience will help us cement SU’s role as a leading university.”

Merrihew has served SU since 1992. Prior to his current role as associate vice president for Student Affairs, he was director of student programs and budget manager in the Division of Student Affairs. Among his other duties, Merrihew has been responsible for creating and directing organizations, services, activities, facilities and events designed to support all aspects of SU’s campus life.

Merrihew has also been a high-profile presence on campus, working closely with many academic and administrative units in his role as an advocate and point person on student and University-wide issues. Merrihew has represented the University with Trustees, parents and other internal and external constituencies.

“Chuck is a well-respected figure on this campus, and rightfully so given his track record of success,” says Walsh. “I am immensely pleased that he has agreed to join Institutional Advancement in a role that will have a positive effect on nearly every aspect of the University’s daily life and long-term vigor.”

Before coming to SU, Merrihew directed the Bryant Center at Bryant College; was the assistant director of the student union and student activities at Rhode Island College; and was assistant director of student activities at SUNY College at Cortland. He holds an M.B.A. from Bryant College and a BS in elementary education from SUNY Cortland.