E-Insight

May 2004

VP for Development and Advancement Appointed

Colorado State President Larry Edward Penley has announced the appointment of Donald Fry as Vice President of Development and Advancement, concluding a national search for the post. Fry, who started at Colorado State in early May, was Director of Advancement at the College of Engineering at Purdue University.

"In Don Fry, we have a leader with not only a proven history of fundraising success but a professional with a clear understanding of how to build and manage a successful team," Dr. Penley said. "This position is critically important for Colorado State as we look to build closer ties with our key constituents and to increase private support. Colorado State is poised to do great things, and Don Fry will be instrumental in helping the institution reach its goals."

In his new role, Fry will be responsible for planning, developing and administering a coordinated University-wide effort to establish and strengthen ties with University constituents; providing effective communications to enhance the standing of Colorado State with internal and external audiences; raising private funds to support the strategic initiatives of the university; and overseeing effective recognition and stewardship programs for alumni, donors and friends.

In his role as director of Advancement at Purdue's College of Engineering, Fry was responsible for the College's efforts to raise $482 million as part of Purdue's ongoing $1.3 billion capital campaign. Fry played a major role in Purdue's previous $325 million capital campaign while serving as Director of Development in the School of Civil Engineering prior to taking the top advancement job in Engineering. Fry also has worked in alumni relations, admissions and as an associate professor during his tenure at Purdue.

Fry outlined some of the priorities he will address at Colorado State University: "You can expect a national search to select the executive director of Alumni Relations, formation of new support groups for the University and a greater CSU presence in Denver and Colorado Springs. These changes will inject excitement and stimulate support for all academic programs as well as the Ram athletic department fundraising initiatives."