Announcing Assumption’s New Vice President for University Advancement

An email message sent to the Assumption Community on February 12, 2025:

Dear Campus Community,

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Jeff Gillooly as Vice President for University Advancement. Jeff brings an impressive record of leadership in advancement and institutional growth, along with a deep appreciation for the power of a Catholic liberal education. He will play a crucial role in strengthening our philanthropic efforts and expanding engagement with alumni, parents, and friends to support Assumption’s enduring mission. Jeff will join us in early March.

Jeff will join us from the University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation, where he currently serves as Chief of Staff and Senior Executive Director for Board Relations and Volunteer Engagement. In this role, he has been instrumental in developing the Foundation’s strategic plan and leading key initiatives for UMass’s $600 million comprehensive campaign. Prior to that, he served for seven years as Vice President for University Advancement at Clark University, where he successfully led Campaign Clark, raising more than $156 million—funding scholarships, faculty support, and new university initiatives. His career also includes leadership roles at the University of Rochester and Roger Williams University.

Jeff’s career reflects a deep commitment to higher education and a belief in the transformative impact of philanthropy. His ability to build strong relationships with donors and institutional partners will be invaluable as we advance the goals of Thrive: The 10-Year Strategic Plan for Assumption University. With Jeff’s leadership, we will continue to strengthen our culture of giving, ensuring that more students have access to the formative education that Assumption provides.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the members of the search committee for their thoughtful and diligent work in identifying the right leader for this critical role. My thanks go to Marisa Gregg, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer (chair); Christina Graziano, General Counsel and VP for Strategy (ex officio); Carl Cafaro, Trustee; Christine Marcks, Trustee and Chair of the Institutional Sustainability Committee; Mary Jane Rein, Director of the Center for Civic Friendship; David Thoreen, Professor of English; and Lee Trepanier, Dean of the D’Amour College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. 

Thank you as well to John White for his exceptional service as Interim Vice President for University Advancement. His leadership, commitment, and steady guidance during this transitional period have been invaluable, and I am deeply grateful for his continuing contributions to Assumption.

Please join me in welcoming Jeff to the Assumption community. I look forward to the impact his vision and experience will have on our university’s future.

Sincerely,

Greg Weiner, Ph.D.
President