Griffin to assume SU Press development responsibilities

Thursday, November 16, 2006, By News Staff

Griffin to assume SU Press development responsibilitiesNovember 16, 2006Mary Beth Hintonmbhinton@syr.edu

Gregory J. Griffin, senior director of Syracuse University Library development and external relations, has added to his responsibilities leadership of development for Syracuse University Press.

Griffin will work with SU Press Director Alice Pfeiffer and the press’ marketing and acquisitions staffs to develop a comprehensive fundraising plan. His primary focus will be major gift fundraising for its premiere publication series in New York state history, Middle East studies, Irish studies, Native American studies, peace and conflict resolution, television and popular culture, and Jewish studies. He will integrate these additional responsibilities into his current role directing the Library’s Office of Development and External Relations.

“I think there is tremendous potential for synergy between the Syracuse University Library and Syracuse University Press, and I look forward to identifying and utilizing those areas of natural connectivity to enhance the development efforts of both organizations,” says Griffin.

In August, SU Interim Vice Chancellor and Provost Eric F. Spina announced an organizational change by which Syracuse University Press would report to University Librarian and Dean of Libraries Suzanne Thorin. The organizational change is intended to create new energy between the two organizations, which are both charged with bringing the intellectual output of scholars into the academic community. The new relationship also enables SU Press to take advantage of the library’s infrastructure to contain costs.

SU Press was founded in August 1943 by then-Chancellor William Pearson Tolley with the idea that such a venture should enhance the school’s academic standing. Today, with more than 1,200 titles in print, SU Press continues to fulfill Chancellor Tolley’s vision by consistently earning international critical acclaim and attracting award-winning authors of note.