Fairfield University names Wally Halas as Vice President for University Advancement

FAIRFIELD – Following a national search, Fairfield University announces the appointment of Wally Halas as Vice President for University Advancement, effective June 1, 2014. In this role, Mr. Halas will serve as the chief advancement officer of the University, responsible for all development and alumni relations functions and activities and the various offices and support services that comprise the Division of University Advancement.

By MIKE HORYCZUN

Wally Halas brings more than 30 years of experience in fundraising and administration to his new role at Fairfield University. Currently Associate Vice President for Leadership Gifts at St. John’s University in New York City, he has overseen the Office of Development and led the major gifts team on an interim basis. While in his current role, Mr. Halas also completed an interim role for the St. John’s School of Law as the Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations.

“Wally Halas has extensive experience as both a development and fundraising professional and a leader and manager of people and organizations,” said the Rev. Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J., Fairfield University President. “He will be a member of my senior leadership team, and I look forward to working with him to engage our many alumni and friends who so generously support our University.”

Prior to his current position at St. John’s, Mr. Halas served as Director of Development – Northeast for Marquette University, Assistant Vice President for Development at St. John’s, Major Gifts Officer at Clark University, and Commissioner of the Scholar-Athlete Games and Chief Operating Officer of the Institute for International Sport at the University of Rhode Island. He also served as former Head Coach of Men’s Basketball at Columbia University and Clark University, where he also served as Director of Athletics and Recreation. Mr. Halas has been selected to both the New England Basketball Hall of Fame and the Clark University Athletic Hall of Fame and was recognized in 2007 by the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports as a Community Leader.

Mr. Halas holds a B.A. in Political Science from Clark University, and a M.P.A. with a concentration in Higher Education from Clark University. He is a native of the Town of Fairfield and a graduate of Fairfield Prep.

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