SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — Jon Paparsenos, an international leader in higher education philanthropy, has been selected as Seton Hall University’s next vice president for university advancement.
A 1999 graduate of Seton Hall, Paparsenos now comes to Seton Hall from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, where he has served as vice president of philanthropy and CEO of the UNSW Foundation since 2016. He will officially begin his new position on Nov. 2.
A former student-athlete, Paparsenos brings an impressive track record of developing the philanthropic culture of institutions while surpassing benchmarks for giving, according to a press release from Seton Hall. Throughout his career, he has led high-performing teams that exceeded financial goals and amplified engagement with key stakeholders.
He will lead the Advancement Division in integrating development, alumni relations and advancement services more fully into the life of the Seton Hall community, in preparation for the university’s next comprehensive fundraising campaign, the planning for which is already under way.
“Jon has impressed me as someone who cares deeply about Seton Hall, our mission and our students,” SHU President Joseph Nyre said. “His wide experience and remarkable track record as a fundraiser and advancement leader make him the ideal person to lead Seton Hall to new heights in philanthropy and engagement.”
At UNSW, he was charged with bringing U.S.-based fundraising methods and strategies to Sydney. With a mandate to effect large-scale change, he developed an ambitious plan to build a centralized philanthropy operation and commence UNSW’s inaugural fundraising campaign.
Under his leadership, fundraising at UNSW increased from $30 million in 2015 to $101 million last year. With the UNSW campaign about to enter its public phase, Paparsenos’ team has achieved fundraising that is 10 percent above the benchmark, and has grown alumni engagement by 500 percent.
“As a Seton Hall alumnus, former student-athlete, volunteer and donor, I am excited to have the opportunity to work for — and give back to — the university that provided me with training and opportunities, and inspired me to be where I am today,” Paparsenos said.
His further experience in higher education philanthropy and campaign management includes such roles as executive director of development at the California Institute of Technology from 2013 to 2016, and senior director of development at Marquette University from 2007 to 2013.
A former Marine Corps sergeant, he coordinated and maintained combat readiness for 11 units, and is the recipient of the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
Paparsenos was selected following a search that attracted highly qualified candidates from across the nation. Regent Leo Zatta led the university’s search committee.
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