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Dustin Luca
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SALEM, MASS. – Salem State University’s newest vice president is a first-generation college student who understands the meaning of impact and giving back.
Mandy Ray, most recently assistant vice president of advancement at Salem State, has been appointed vice president of advancement after leading the department on an interim basis for the past six months. She takes over for Cheryl Webster, who served the role for more than five years prior to her departure this past October.
In her new role, Ray will lead the university’s advancement division, the fundraising and alumni engagement arm of Salem State University. By occupying the position, she also serves as executive director of the Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc., a parallel role for the vice-presidential position. She takes over the position with more than 19 years experience in fundraising and driving engagement.
“I’ve always believed that true change starts with a deep commitment to serving others, and I’m honored to step into this role as vice president,” Ray said. “My passion for giving back has been the driving force throughout my life, and I’m excited to continue to work alongside our dedicated team, campus community and dedicated volunteers to make a lasting impact in our community.”
In her prior role as assistant vice president, Ray was instrumental in helping the university achieve significant milestones, including launching the university’s 10,000 Reasons and Meet the Moment® campaigns, and completing three consecutive record-breaking fundraising years. With a goal to raise $75 million under Meet the Moment, Ray takes on her new role with $58 million raised already, representing 77 percent of the final goal.
"Since stepping into this role on an interim basis, Mandy has demonstrated exemplary leadership, expanding relationships with colleagues and her network, and remained focused on our strategic objectives,” said university President John Keenan. "We are delighted to welcome her to this role on a permanent basis, and her leadership will be instrumental as we continue to champion our efforts to shape the future of Salem State together."
“The Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc. is thrilled to welcome Mandy to the role of executive director,” shared alumni association and foundation Chair Annalisa Di Palma. “We have worked closely over the years to lay the groundwork for success, especially during the strategic planning for the Meet the Moment® campaign. Mandy’s fresh perspective and energy will propel our board’s work and ensure that we continue to achieve our goals, in support of the university and our students.”
For Ray, Salem State University is more than a place of work. It’s also a place for family to grow. Both she and her husband Joseph Smith have attended classes at Salem State, and her stepson Diego Lacruz is slated to graduate in May with a degree in philosophy.
As a first-generation college student and prior scholarship recipient herself, Ray said she understands “the need for financial aid and support as I put myself through college.” The experience is further shared by alumni and donors who likewise juggled work and school and now are in a position to give back.
“Student success is at the heart of everything we do, and it truly involves the entire campus community,” Ray said. “The team and I look forward to working closely with our alumni, donors and community members to strengthen our partnerships and continue to help our students ‘meet the moment.’”
Please reach out to the advancement team to learn how they can support your efforts:
· For alumni engagement, contact Mike Mitchell;
· For questions about giving to the Salem State Annual Fund, collaborations for campus fundraising or donations, contact Lori Boudo;
· If you want to start a crowdfunding project to support Salem State, contact Dan Auth;
· For more information on private foundations and corporate support, contact Mandy Ray; and
· If you have questions about your department’s gift funds or are interested in stewarding our donors, contact Sara Ward