MEDIA CONTACT: Linda Holtz

                                 561-297-0159, lholtz@fau.edu

FAU Names Susan Peirce

Vice President of the Campaign

          BOCA RATON, FL (June 5, 2006) -- Florida Atlantic University has announced that Susan Peirce has been hired as vice president of the campaign.  Serving as a member of University Advancement, Peirce, who has close to 25 years experience in development, will be readying the University for its next major fund-raising effort.  As part of her role, Peirce will interface with major benefactors and be responsible for developing a campaign strategic plan. 

            “As FAU continues its effort in building a world class institution, we must be surrounded by a strong team of staff and supporters,” said FAU President Frank T. Brogan ’81.  “Susan Peirce will undoubtedly be an integral part of that team as she begins her new role at the University.  We welcome her expertise.”

            Peirce, who helped lead FAU’s first capital campaign, returns to FAU from Saint Leo University, Saint Leo, Fla., where she was vice president for University Advancement.  In her two years at Saint Leo University, a Catholic, liberal arts-based university serving people of all faiths, Peirce headed that university’s first-ever campaign –  an effort that yielded $12 million.  Peirce established the division of University Advancement, comprised of 23 professionals and support staff members, and within that division created the departments of Advancement Services, Alumni Relations, Public Relations and Development.  In addition, Peirce developed her division’s strategic plan and instituted an annual giving program that saw a 421 percent increase in alumni participation. 

            From 1994 to 1997, Peirce served as assistant vice president for development at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Ill.  She was responsible for re-structuring that university’s fund-raising program and planning campaign and was successful in achieving fiscal year goals.  From 1991 to 1994 she was the campaign director at Villanova University in Villanova, Pa. where she provided strategic direction for the $100 million Villanova campaign.  Working closely with the vice president for institutional advancement, she helped steward gifts at the $500,000+ level.  Peirce has worked in alumni relations, major gifts and annual giving at three other universities.

            “I am so pleased that Susan Peirce will be returning to FAU,” said Dr. Ira J. Gelb, FAU Foundation Board chair.  “She has been highly successful in her career as a fund-raiser.  She is a charismatic, knowledgeable and tireless individual who understands our mission at FAU and possesses the ability to bring this growing university to a new level of excellence.”

            A graduate of Chatham College with a bachelor’s degree in communications, Peirce earned her master’s degree in leadership and educational policy studies at Northern Illinois University.  She is an active member, on international, national and regional levels, of the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), a recipient of a CASE Crystal Apple Award and a member of Leadership Tampa Bay. 

            “I am returning to FAU with great respect and affection for the University and its important role in higher education,” said Peirce.  “I am committed to bringing enthusiasm, energy and fund-raising acumen to my position.  With a philanthropic community that is unmatched and a vision for an extraordinary future, FAU’s campaign is certain to be a success.”

-FAU-