TROY, N.Y. — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute President Shirley Ann Jackson today announced the appointment of Donald R. Fry as vice president for institute advancement.

The vice president for institute advancement is responsible for oversight of the division of advancement strategy, services, and infrastructure; alumni relations; and development, including the Rensselaer Annual Fund, and individual, corporate, foundation, and international advancement.

“Donald Fry’s extensive development, management, leadership, and marketing experience have prepared him well to lead the Institute Advancement team, achieve the goals of the Campaign for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and help fulfill the vision of The Rensselaer Plan,” said President Jackson.

Fry will work closely with President Jackson, other portfolios within the university, and volunteers to develop short- and long-term strategies and programs for the engagement, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of advancement constituents for the Institute and all subsidiaries.

Fry most recently served as vice president for development and advancement at Colorado State University, where he was responsible for planning and administering a coordinated university-wide effort to strengthen ties with university constituents, providing effective communications to enhance the status of Colorado State with external audiences, and raising private funds to support the strategic initiatives of the university. The university achieved significant increases in annual fundraising under his leadership, including a $30 million gift, the largest private gift in the history of the institution.

Prior to Colorado State, he spent several years at Purdue University, holding progressively responsible positions including faculty member in the Department of Military Science, assistant director for the Office of Admissions, director of development for the School of Civil Engineering, director of leadership gifts and campaign operations, and director of advancement for the College of Engineering. Fry began his career in the U.S. Army and retired as a major. 

Fry received his associate of arts degree in personnel management and bachelor of science degree in business and management, both from the University of Maryland. He received his master of science degree in business administration from Boston University.

Fry’s appointment is effective July 17, 2006.

Contact: Jessica Otitigbe
Phone: (518) 276-6050
E-mail: otitij@rpi.edu