Senior Staff Personnel Announcement

Dear Laurentian community,

Last fall, Tom Pynchon, Vice President for University Advancement, initiated a discussion with me about his desire to move toward retirement. Since then, we have engaged in meaningful conversations about how best to support both Tom and the needs of the University and our Advancement operations during a time of leadership transition.

Given Tom’s long and successful tenure at St. Lawrence, and the fact that he and I have worked so well together during my first year, I asked Tom if he would be willing to remain at St. Lawrence through a transitional time period—a request that Tom enthusiastically supported.

Thus, I write today to share that Tom will conclude his role as Vice President for University Advancement effective December 31, 2022, at which point he will take on the role of Senior Advisor to the President. This new part-time role will allow Tom’s successor, the University, and me to benefit from Tom’s leadership, knowledge, and experience as we hire and onboard a new leader for Advancement—the person who will lead us into our next fundraising campaign. Planning for a search to identify Tom’s successor is underway.

Over my first year as President, I have come to trust Tom’s judgement, to respect his institutional knowledge based on 30 years of experience at St. Lawrence, and to appreciate his many talents and work ethic. Originally hired as Director of Planned Gifts, Tom was promoted to several different development positions, eventually being elevated to Vice President on July 1, 2014. Tom has played a significant role in the last three University comprehensive fundraising campaigns, including the most recent Campaign for Every Laurentian. During that successful effort he helped lead the University to exceed the goal and raise $232 million, which included eight of the 10 largest gifts in University history. 

On a personal note, Brian and I have had the chance to get to know Tom and Carol over the past year. Between our personal relationship and my frequent work travel and collaborations with Tom, I have seen first-hand the many connections he has developed within the Laurentian community. I am grateful for his commitment and impact at St. Lawrence.

While Tom will still be fully engaged through the end of the year, please join me in congratulating him on his new role and his eventual retirement.

Sincerely,

Kate Morris