Associate Vice President for Development announces retirement

Associate Vice President for Development announces retirement

After 26 years of service, Fredric C. Wheeler, associate vice president for development, has announced he will retire from Fairfield University at the end of the current academic year.

Wheeler joined the Fairfield advancement staff in September 1981, as director of development and was named associate vice president in 1987. Previously, he served as director of development for Ladycliff College, Highland Falls, New York, from 1975 to 1977. He was then named New York regional director of development for Georgetown University, a position he held for three years. From 1980 to 1981 he was director of development for the Georgetown Law Center. Wheeler received a B.A. from Fordham University and a Master's in Public Administration from New York University.

At Fairfield, Wheeler oversees the Offices of Annual Giving, Foundation Relations, Corporate Relations, Major Gifts, Constituent Relations, Planned Giving, Development Services and Development Communications.

In making the announcement Wheeler said, "For nearly 26 years Fairfield University has been a joy. I am deeply gratified by its evolution over that time period and to have been part of it. I am especially indebted to Fathers Kelley and von Arx, both visionaries in Jesuit higher education, who have provided such extraordinary leadership during my tenure here. The University's ever growing stature and reputation, and ever renewing commitment to its Jesuit roots, stand as tribute to them. I also remain indebted to George Diffley who mentored me and gave me the opportunity to serve here and to a wonderful development staff of creative, talented and committed people with whom it was a privilege to work."

University President Jeffrey von Arx, S.J. praised Wheeler's years of service saying, "Fred Wheeler has devoted more than a quarter of a century to Fairfield in one of its most challenging areas - fundraising. Fred's talent and skills, coupled with a strong commitment to the value of a Jesuit education, have resulted in his having played an important role in the growth and development of this institution. My sincerest thanks and best wishes go to Fred as he enters this new important phase of his life."

Stephanie Frost, vice president for University Advancement, said, "I am grateful for the wonderful base of support Fred and his team have cultivated so well over the years. He will be leaving a strengthened Fairfield poised to take on the challenges of the next 25 years. I join Father von Arx in thanking Fred for his wonderful service to this fine institution."

Frost indicated that plans to fill the vacancy created by Wheeler's departure would be announced in the coming months.

Posted On: 03-02-2007 10:03 AM

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